The fruit came in on 8 and 9 October, which was relatively early in the harvest period that spanned two weeks in the middle of that month. September experienced a pattern of warm days and cool nights, and the dry weather persisted into mid-October. This combination indicates that 2019 was a cooler year than 2018 and 2020, and the alcohol content across the region averaged around 14%, which was lower than in the hotter years before and after.
As a result, it exhibits a more linear and lively flavor profile than is usual for this address, with aromas of rhubarb, pomegranate, and orange peel standing out more prominently than any heavy body. Before its release in September 2023, it was aged for 36 months in large, old botti (traditional large oak barrels). It is best to cellar it for the first few years and then slowly savor it over the course of several decades.
Robert Parker (98)
Coming to market this fall, the Bartolo Mascarello 2019 Barolo represents a classic vintage in between two challenging growing seasons. Both 2018 and 2020 were hotter than 2019, resulting in higher alcohol levels. With fruit harvested on October 8th and 9th, this expression from 2019 shows extra freshness and a more streamlined style compared to the texturally generous 2020 or the softer and more open-knit 2018. Extraction and structure came easily in 2019, and delicate pump-overs sufficed. Maria Teresa Mascarello opted against submerged cap fermentations in 2022, 2019, 2017 and 2013. It was performed in 2016, 2014 and 2010, however. The fruit represents a blend of Monrobiolo in Bussia (a site with a lease that ends in 2025), Rue and Cannubi in Barolo and Rocche dell’Annunziata in La Morra. San Lorenzo will return to the blend in 2020. This bottle promises a decisive, vertical delivery of fruit (lots of "skeleton and bones") with a pretty moment of crunch, elegant acidic freshness and tannic structure. If you are nostalgic for a tight, acidity-driven Barolo that is good for long cellar aging, the 2019 is for you.
Jancis Robinson (18)
Compact and slow to emerge from the glass and with a minerally lift. Very youthful and with only hints of raspberry and cherry. Embryonic on the palate. Compact, fine yet persistent, almost aromatic tannins while fine, perfumed raspberry emerges along with tannic energy on the finish. Long, chalky mineral notes on the finish.
Falstaff (100)
Brilliant, flint ruby garnet. Fragrant and inviting nose, of ripe raspberries, citrus, cold smoke, delicate underbrush, graphite, a touch of chestnut honey in the aftertaste. Elegant and polished on the palate, with hearty, compact tannins, deep, powerful, with tremendous length.
