Jeb Dunnuck (95)

Dark ruby, the 2020 Barolo Ravera is expressive and leads with mineral-tinged aromas of graphite, raspberry liqueur, sweet flowers, pine, and mossy earth. Medium-bodied, it displays more intensity on the palate, with an elegant but more chiseled feel, ripe tannins, even, energetic acidity, and a mouthwatering finish. It’s going to benefit from another couple years in bottle. Drink 2026-2046.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

Dark red/magenta in color, the 2016 Barolo Riserva is remarkable, offering loads of kirsch, polished leather, balsamic, dark chocolate, and crushed violets. The list goes on and on as it opens and begins to show more mineral aromas of graphite and truffle. Medium to full-bodied, it’s an exquisite red, with ripe, polished tannins, a seamless structure, and a long finish. It retains wonderful purity and ripeness and leaves a haunting sensation as it tapers ever so slowly. This stunning wine from the Scavino family is built for the long haul. Drink 2026-2056.

Wine Advocate (94)

2003 Barolo Riserva Rocche dell'Annunziata—Today the Rocche dell'Annunziata is the most promising and balanced of the 2003 Barolos. It offers an incredibly elegant nose followed by flavors of sweet red cherries and menthol with superb length, finesse and elegant, noble tannins. Made from a parcel where the vines are over 70 years old, and no doubt the deep roots here contribute to this wine's sense of freshness given the vintage. A great effort. (91-94), 11/05

Vinous (96)

Scavino's 2005 Barolo Riserva Rocche dell'Annunziata is all class, not to mention one of the wines of the vintage. Silky, nuanced and polished to the core, the Rocche oozes class. An exotic mélange of dark red cherry, pomegranate, sweet spice, mint and rose petals blossoms in the glass. The balance of fruit, acidity and tannin is absolutely compelling, but it is the wine's centeredness and overall poise that elevate it to its lofty standing.

Vinous (96+)

Though an infant, the 2007 Barolo Riserva Rocche dell'Annunziata caresses the palate with gorgeous, silky layers of red berries, flowers, spices. The wine dazzles with expressive inner perfume and sweet, refined tannins that frame the exquisite finish. This is another head-spinning, hugely promising Barolo from Scavino.

Wine Advocate (96)

This is among Paolo Scavino's latest releases. The 2011 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata Riserva is a profound and generous wine from a hot vintage. The fruit is opulent and soft with blackberry, dried cherry and dark plum on prime display. The wine emits clear confidence and quality that is evident in the intensity and the depth displayed here. Additional layering and complexity is provided by lingering tones of spice, tobacco, moist earth and white truffle. This beautifully-crafted Barolo delivers the grace and the inherent age-worthiness of the La Morra township.

Wine Advocate (97)

The 2013 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata Riserva was released in January of 2019, and once again it looks to be a top prize. Licorice and flowers dominate the bouquet, and its beautiful red fruit is generous throughout. This wine has always been a beauty and consistently has had a high price tag to reflect that quality, going back to the first vintages of the 1990s. It has regularly sold for about $200 every year for the last decade. These vines are old, some of them very old (reaching the ripe age of 60 years old in 1990s, when many of them were replanted with carefully selected clones), producing an elegance and concentration that brings intensity and a high standard of aromas. This Barolo without a doubt shows its pedigree and a quality of noble perfumes that demonstrate characteristics of the greatest Nebbiolo vintages, all delivered with excellent concentration. The magic lingers on the palate, right up to the finish.

James Suckling (98)

Very intense blackberry and blueberry character with sliced-mushroom and tree-bark undertones. Porcini mushrooms really set the tone here. It’s full-bodied with powerful tannins that come through the fantastic fruit. Lots to see and understand here, but it’s just opening now. One for the cellar. Try after 2025.

James Suckling (100)

Wow! There’s so much going on here. The nose presents an intense mix of dried cherry and red-berry fruit and rose petals, together with mild spice, Mediterranean herbs, tobacco dried apricot and dried and fresh nuts. Much more if you dig in. Full-bodied, super-relaxed palate that is the perfect display case for all the complex fruit character. The tannins are dense but seamless, never displaying any angular edge. Super-long and super concentrated, this is hard to fault. Yet, despite all the seeming extravagance, it remains a composed red with a long life ahead of it. Drink at your leisure.

James Suckling (97)

This is one of the greatest wines I have ever had from here. So much ripe cherry, raspberry and floral character. Medium body, super-refined tannins and a long and flavorful finish. So much going on here. Better in 2021.

Vinous (96.5)

Marco Parusso's 2016 Barolo Bussia brings together all the best elements of his style and year in a wine that is simply brilliant. Sweet floral notes, dark red fruit, mint, blood orange and spice infuse the 2016 with myriad layers of complexity. A bold, dramatic Barolo made from Rocche and Munie fruit, the 2016 is going to need a number of years to be at its best.

James Suckling (96)

Very exotic Parusso Barolo as always, with dried fruit, strawberries and tangerines. Full-bodied with chewy tannins and a powerful, intense finish. This is really structured. Needs four or five years to soften. Try in 2025.

James Suckling (96)

A rich nose, packed with aromas of ripe and dried red fruit, including heaps of wild strawberries. There’s fresh orange rind, too and on the savory side, notes of cloves, perfumed bark and brighter flowers. Full-bodied with a very silky but firm texture. The strawberry and citrus fruit is ingrained in the velvety tannins and the combination gives a very long finish. Twist of red licorice at the end. This is nicely structured and well balanced, but needs plenty of time. Try from 2026.

Introducing the splendid Pianpolvere Soprano Barolo Bussia 2010. This lavish wine hails from the esteemed Bussia vineyard in the Monforte d'Alba region of Italy, renowned for producing one of the finest expressions of the Nebbiolo grape. Produced by the Pianpolvere Soprano winery, a bastion of artisan tradition. This Barolo's creation follows traditional macerations and fermentation, aged at least 24 months in large oak barrels.

The Pianpolvere Soprano Barolo Bussia 2010 unravels an olfactory tapestry rich in complexity, with aromas of dark berries, rose petals, tobacco, and truffle. On the palate, it beguiles with finely woven tannins, expressing an exquisite balance of power, elegance, and length. Culminating in a captivating finish, it's an opulent treat for the discerning palate.

With a limited production reflecting stringent quality control, the Pianpolvere Soprano Barolo Bussia 2010 epitomises a remarkable example of Barolo excellence.

The Pianpolvere Soprano Barolo Bussia 2016, a masterclass in Italian winemaking, is created with the utmost care in the famed Barolo region. Promising an enthralling sensory journey, this wine is a reflection of meticulous Nebbiolo vine cultivation on the historical Bussia slope and the unique, attentive winemaking techniques implemented by Pianpolvere Soprano.

A product of traditional fermentation and long-term ageing, primarily in Slavonian oak barrels, this wine exhibits an intense garnet colour coupled with an intricate bouquet of red fruits, autumn leaves, and a hint of truffle. Its balance between acidity and tannin structure exemplifies an approach that favours elegance and longevity.

Produced in limited quantities, the Pianpolvere Soprano Barolo Bussia 2016 is the epitome of sophisticated appreciation. This wine promises a sublime, delicate palate and a finish that leaves an impression long after the last sip."