Barolo, Bartolo Mascarello 2011

Maria-Theresa Mascarello's 2011 Barolo is one of the more refined wines of the year, with less size than many other 2011s, and plenty of immediacy. Racy and giving on the palate, but with good underlying structure, the 2011 impresses for its juxtaposition of the riper elements of the vintage and more classic attributes that are such signatures at this address. Bright red stone fruits, strawberries and crushed flowers are some of the notes that grace the exquisite finish. The 2011 is an excellent choice to drink while some of the more ageworthy recent vintages sleep in the cellar. I will not be surprised to see the 2011 improve from where it is today.