2011 Barolo San Rocco
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Barolo San Rocco shows focused intensity with a pretty array of varietal characteristics. Boasting the best of Nebbiolo, the wine shows dark fruit nuances with smoke, tobacco, tar and black olive. This expression also offers lasting structure with evident tannic firmness and long persistence.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Pale ruby with orange tinges. Austere but pretty nose and really stony with hints of shoe polish. Tightly knit sweet fruit palate with bitter-sweet firm tannins. Long and satisfying, but not ready yet. (WS)
As it usually is, the 2011 Barolo San Rocco is the darkest and richest of the Azelia Barolos, but it too is quite polished in this vintage. Dark red cherries, licorice, spices and new leather flesh out in a Barolo that shows the depth of Serralunga, but with gorgeous mid-palate pliancy, silky tannins and soft contours for a young Barolo. Here, too, the wine's balance is incredibly alluring, especially since the San Rocco has a history of drinking well throughout its entire life.
The 2011 Barolo San Rocco opens with exquisite, beguiling aromatics. A rich, explosive Barolo, the 2011 is built in a serious core of density and pure resonance. The Serralunga tannins are going to need some time to settle, down, but there is plenty to look forward to here. Lavender, dried rose petals and cinnamon add complexity to the huge, vivid finish.