Scavino produced one of the great wines of this classic year, the 1996 Barolo Rocche dell Annunziata. The color is a healthy dark ruby. The nose offers scents of smoky charcoal, licorice, pain grille, black cherries, incense, tobacco, and leather. Full-bodied and massive, with superb balance, nicely integrated acidity and tannin, and a finish that goes on for nearly a minute. It is a profound Barolo to drink now and over the next two decades. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

Delicious, with loads of rose petal, raspberry and passion fruit on the nose and palate. Full, round and soft, caressing the palate. Very tight and reserved. Just starting to come around.--1996 Piedmont retrospective. Best after 2008. 250 cases made, 80 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add