Bruno Giacosa   Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto DOCG

1998 Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto D.O.C.G.

By Bruno Giacosa

1998 Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto D.O.C.G. from Bruno Giacosa

The 1998 vintage paints an exemplary picture of the fine works from Bruno Giacosa, a legendary winemaker who is esteemed for his mastery in creating alluring fine wines from Italy. His attunement with the rhythm of vintage seasons led him to orchestrate this harmony known as the 1998 Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto D.O.C.G.

 

Flexing Nebbiolo's Boundless Potential

An exquisite expression of Nebbiolo from Piedmont, some will be entranced by its intensity, others smitten by its subtlety. This reveals the enigmatic complexity of 1998 - a year where cellar masters trod a precarious tightrope between uncharacteristic warmth and rains that flirted with overexposure. How poetic then, the balance achieved in this Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto D.O.C.G.

Giacosa paints on his vinous canvas with brushstrokes of meticulously picked Nebbiolo grapes, unveiling layers of tar and roses, interspersed with whispers of truffles and dried cherries.

 

A Monument to the Vintage of '98

Owing to the unique climatic rhythm of 1998, it rendered a distinct personality to the Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto D.O.C.G. It was a challenging season, testing vignerons' mettle, but resulting in a stellar vintage that keen wine investors recognise for its unique blend of sensory delights.

In this olfactory symphony from Bruno Giacosa's maestro's baton sweep, dark fruits gamboled with refined earthy undertones considerably enhanced by age. On the palate, it pirouetted from sensual sweetness to a tantalising tartness, expertly balanced by structured tannins and a lingering finish.

As an embodiment of Barolo in a supposedly tricky vintage, it testifies to the tenacity and talent of Bruno Giacosa. This testament of 1998 is not only a beautiful composition for savoring today, but like many fine wines from Italy it's also an asset that can deliver a solid performance as part of a carefully curated wine investment portfolio.

Summarising this masterpiece proves somewhat challenging; akin to capturing the magic of the '98 season in a single bottle. But isn’t that exactly what Bruno Giacosa has achieved with the 1998 Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto D.O.C.G?

Current market price

$5,290.00

12x75cl

Highest score

97

POP score

186.47

Scores and tasting notes

96-98

The limited cuvee made from four blocks of the Falletto Vineyard called Rocche, the 1998 Barolo Rocche di Falletto, borders on perfection. This massive, full-bodied wine is spectacular. A dark plum color reveals lightening at the edge. Stunning aromatics offer up scents of crushed stones intermixed with cherry jam and sweet tobacco. There are loads of glycerin, moderately high tannin, and an amazingly long finish of nearly 50 seconds. As staggering as it is now, I am sure it will close down and require 7-8 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2035. A Leonardo Locascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 October 2001

Vintage performance