2018 Barolo, Monprivato, Mascarello Giuseppe & Figlio, Piedmont, Italy

The 2018 Barolo Monprivato is gorgeous. Aromatic and gracious, the 2018 is silky, expressive and very nicely balanced. The 2018 is a bit light and ethereal, as Monprivato is these days, but the tannins are impeccably balanced and all the elements are beautifully put together. Crushed red berry fruit, cinnamon, spice, dried flowers and orange peel lend nuance throughout. This is a fine effort in a highly irregular year.

Drink 2025 - 2038

The Giuseppe Mascarello 2018 Barolo Monprivato reveals an open and accessible personality. This wine is an immediate charmer. I tasted these wines with the Mascarello family seated across the table from me, and during our chat, they explained that this was a gratifying vintage in terms of farming and winemaking. The growing season was not too hot, and high alcohol levels were not an issue, they say. In the case of this wine, we are greeted with mild tannins and a pretty bouquet with delicate floral notes, smoke and tar.

Drink 2025 - 2045

Translucent ruby, the 2018 Barolo Monprivato is open and gives in its dried apricot, orange peel, saline earth, and raspberry perfume. It is medium-bodied, with ultra-fine tannins; it is an elegant red revealing notes of wild strawberries, cardamom, and salty soil. It is a very pretty style, it is drinking beautifully now.

Drink 2023 - 2040