Giuseppe E Figlio Mascarello Barolo Monprivato 2012

WA94: The 2012 Barolo Monprivato is a polished and bright wine that delivers a profound and beautiful array of delicate aromas. These tiny, petite threads of cherry, wild berry, ash, smoked spice and grilled herb converge with unity to produce the intensity and purpose that ultimately defines this beautiful wine. I tasted from two bottles at the winery. One had been opened a few days prior, and the second one's cork was pulled immediately before I sampled it. This review is based on my impressions from both bottles: The first one sang loud and the second revealed a muted voice. There's no doubting that this wine needs at least ten more years to evolve. Having said that, I don't think 2012 has the extreme depth and focus we've seen from this vineyard in slightly cooler vintages.

VM91: The 2012 Barolo Monprivato is an attractive, mid-weight wine. Bright red cherry fruit, orange peel, mint and sweet, exotic spices all lift from the glass. Silky tannins accompany the finish in an airy, lifted, understated Barolo. As attractive as the 2012 Monprivato is, it also tastes more like a top Langhe Nebbiolo rather than a Barolo from one of the region's undisputed grand cru sites.