2013 Azelia, Barolo, Bricco Fiasco

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2013 Barolo Bricco Fiasco shows exceptional balance in this terrific vintage. The wine starts slowly but increases in a steady upswing of intensity and complexity as it takes on air in the glass. This vineyard located in Castiglione Falletto was planted in the 1940s, and the vines are now 80 years old, on average. They are at their production prime, especially when it comes to the nuanced and finessed fruit produced. The soils here show a larger percentage of sand compared to neighboring Serralunga d'Alba, and the wine is more fruit forward and elegant as a result. The bouquet offers pressed rose, violets and warm autumnal notes. Only 6,300 bottles were produced. This is a terrific wine. The family of Luigi Scavino is extremely pleased with the 2013 vintage, as well they should be. This estate, based in Castiglione Falletto with important vineyard sites in Serralunga d'Alba, has produced some very enticing and exciting results. These are classic expressions of Nebbiolo with marked structure and complexity. But you also feel the pinch of the extra acidity that will enable these wines to age gracefully over the course of the next two decades. These are impressive wines.