1998 Barolo San Rocco
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Magnum estate-bottled by Luigi Scavino of Castiglione Falletto. The friend who brought the Yquem, and who has the finest private cellar I know personally, described this as the best Barolo he had ever tasted. (Though in fairness I should point out that Italian wine is not his speciality.) It was certainly at the height of its powers, just medium bodied with a lovely haunting, ethereal perfume and great cleanliness, almost mintiness, on the finish and only then the kick of dryness that characterises Nebbiolo. Great balance and really appetising. But it didn't seem as though it would go on and on for too many years in bottle. Nothing out of place. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 1998 Barolo San Rocco's dark plum/garnet color is followed by a gorgeously fragrant perfume of dried Provencal herbs, smoke, tar, black cherry liqueur, cedar, and soy. Ripe, opulently-textured, full-bodied flavors caress the palate with no hard edges. This hedonistic Nebbiolo fruit bomb possesses plenty of complexity. Drink it over the next 12-15 years. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411