Paolo Scavino
Bricco Ambrogio Barolo Nebbiolo
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
“Bricco Ambrogio” stands alone as the only MGA in the tiny commune of Roddi and it’s almost completely under vine. In fact, the most prominent geological feature in Roddi is the hill of Bricco Ambrogio. While the Lodali family were the first to bottle a single expression, back in the late 1970’s, we largely have Paolo Scavino to thank for the growth of its reputation as a source of depth and balanced Barolo over the last 20+ years.
The 2020 “Bricco Ambrogio” pours a bright, luminous garnet color; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing and predominately red fruited with notes of Morello cherry, cranberry, raspberry, rosebushes, tar, dried green herbs, cedar chest, spices, and gravely earth. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finishes long, grippy and spicy. A lovely Bricco Ambrogio with beautiful balance and sneaky power; arguably the benchmark for the MGA. Drinking well now in its youth (thank you 2020) but will surely gain complexity after 2030 and deliver smiles through 2040+.
“Bricco Ambrogio” stands alone as the only MGA in the tiny commune of Roddi and it’s almost completely under vine. In fact, the most prominent geological feature in Roddi is the hill of Bricco Ambrogio. While the Lodali family were the first to bottle a single expression, back in the late 1970’s, we largely have Paolo Scavino to thank for the growth of its reputation as a source of depth and balanced Barolo over the last 20+ years.
The 2020 “Bricco Ambrogio” pours a bright, luminous garnet color; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing and predominately red fruited with notes of Morello cherry, cranberry, raspberry, rosebushes, tar, dried green herbs, cedar chest, spices, and gravely earth. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finishes long, grippy and spicy. A lovely Bricco Ambrogio with beautiful balance and sneaky power; arguably the benchmark for the MGA. Drinking well now in its youth (thank you 2020) but will surely gain complexity after 2030 and deliver smiles through 2040+.
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour while preparing our meal. The 2010 “Bricco Ambrogio” pours a deep garnet color with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart and ripe, predominately red fruits: raspberries, cranberry, and pomegranate with roses, tar, dried green herbs, clay garden pot and soft warm spices. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and grippy. I have indicated in recent notes that 2010 Barolos are finally starting to show their quality. They will be very long lived and this is no exception. Drink now with patience and through 2050+.
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour while preparing our meal. The 2010 “Bricco Ambrogio” pours a deep garnet color with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart and ripe, predominately red fruits: raspberries, cranberry, and pomegranate with roses, tar, dried green herbs, clay garden pot and soft warm spices. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and grippy. I have indicated in recent notes that 2010 Barolos are finally starting to show their quality. They will be very long lived and this is no exception. Drink now with patience and through 2050+.
Jun 23rd, 2024
The 2015 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is terrific. Bold, fruity and forward, the 2015 offers tons of immediacy, not to mention impeccable overall balance. Sweet red cherry, hard candy, spice, mint, licorice and tobacco infuse the 2015 with terrific nuance to match its radiant, supple personality. This inviting, silky Barolo has plenty to offer, including tons of immediacy. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Novmeber 2019)
The 2015 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is terrific. Bold, fruity and forward, the 2015 offers tons of immediacy, not to mention impeccable overall balance. Sweet red cherry, hard candy, spice, mint, licorice and tobacco infuse the 2015 with terrific nuance to match its radiant, supple personality. This inviting, silky Barolo has plenty to offer, including tons of immediacy. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Novmeber 2019)
Nov 22nd, 2019
Perfumed, soft, La Morra-esque / alight menthol on nose, fresh herb / suggestive mineral quality, tar
Perfumed, soft, La Morra-esque / alight menthol on nose, fresh herb / suggestive mineral quality, tar
May 10th, 2018
Very young. But beautiful elegance and structure. Can't wait to add a few to my cellar.
Very young. But beautiful elegance and structure. Can't wait to add a few to my cellar.
2 people found it helpfulJan 21st, 2015
Would wait on this, has the makings of a great Barolo. Will acquire more.
Would wait on this, has the makings of a great Barolo. Will acquire more.
1 person found it helpfulFeb 18th, 2015
Open around 11 hours and drinking beautifully. So much licorice. Concentrated and floral. Singing.
Open around 11 hours and drinking beautifully. So much licorice. Concentrated and floral. Singing.
1 person found it helpfulFeb 15th, 2015Bad vintages mean nothing when the winemaker consistently makes strong showings
Bad vintages mean nothing when the winemaker consistently makes strong showings
1 person found it helpfulFeb 11th, 2015