After the thoroughly underwhelming 2011 Bordeaux campaign, the 2008 releases are exactly what the wine buying public needs to restore a little faith: A genuinely great vintage at a reasonable price-point, something of a breath of fresh air in comparison.
The 2008 growing season was by no means as warm as in 2007 giving a much more subdued character to the wines in their early life. The season was long and reasonably cool with the perfect Indian summer to finish it off. These are the ideal growing conditions for Nebbiolo, allowing the fruit to fully ripen at a leisurely pace and maintain their minerality, whilst the skins became dark and thick, adding weight and well integrated tannins to the wine.
There is less upfront fruit upon release with the 2008s, but instead these wines show beautiful balance with all the hallmarks of a classic Barolo vintage: amazing structure, perfumed fruits and a real sense of the terroir. Guiseppe himself remarked that the 2008 was probably the best Monprivato he has made in 15 years.
Monprivato Barolo, Mascarello 2008 - £285.00 per case In Bond (6x75cl) Click HERE to buy.
“The 2008 Barolo Monprivato is understated, classy and very pretty. It comes across as seamless and pure, although it will be quite a few years before the wine is ready. The 2008 is mostly remarkable for its textural finesse and sheer delicateness. Crushed flowers, spices and licorice wrap around the eternal finish. I expect the 2008 will firm up once it is in bottle, but if this sneak preview is any indication, the wine is shaping up beautifully. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038.” 93-95+ Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)
Each bottle is also individually numbered, making every bottle a guaranteed collectors item.
Please note: all prices are quoted In Bond and offered on an En Primeur basis. The wines are due to be shipped from December 2012.
