Mauro Mascarello's 2011 Barolo Monprivato is soft, open-knit and surprisingly ready to go today. Dried cherry, anise, crushed flowers, mint and sweet tobacco all find support in a pretty fabric framed by silky, inviting tannins. The 2011 is not a huge Monprivato, but it does offer good balance in a restrained, mid-weight style, even by this wine's historical standards. I have seen Monprivato gain considerable depth and intensity in bottle. It will be interesting to see what happens here. In 2011, Mascarello did not bottle their flagship Riserva Ca'd' Morissio. Instead, all the fruit went into the straight Monprivato.

Leather, cured meat, scorched earth, ripe berry and balsamic aromas lead the nose. The smooth, structured palate delivers layers of fleshy black cherry, white pepper and grilled herb alongside velvety tannins. A licorice note wraps around the lingering finish. Drink 2018–2026. Kerin O'Keefe

No matter the vintage - hot or cold - this special wine always stays true to itself. The 2011 Barolo Monprivato is not as precise or polished as the excellent 2010 vintage, but the wine offers abundant elegance and generosity nonetheless. Dark fruit is followed by pipe tobacco, licorice and cola. These elements achieve a beautiful level of balance, depth and unity. Some tartness appears on the close. This wine demonstrates that you can't beat an excellent vineyard site when it comes to making iconic wines. ML

This is expressive, with alluring cherry, strawberry, floral and mineral flavors building to a long, expansive finish. The elegant profile belies the serious structure underneath, which should allow this red to develop over the next 15 to 20 years. Offers fine berry fruit and a minerally aftertaste. Best from 2018 through 2033. BS

Pale crimson (much bluer than the Villero). Dense and meaty on the nose. Masses of tannin and extract with autumn leaves. Not nearly as open as the Villero.
JR - Jan 2016