This was my last bottle of four, and although it became fairly complex as it opened up over a couple of hours, it was opened along with a bottle of Bartolo Mascarello from the same year, and this was light and faded in comparison. The tannins are long gone and the acidity falls a little short - time to drink up. This was a good value at $65 a dozen years ago; it's not a good value at current prices.
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This wine continues to drink well and this is my last bottle. Notes of cherry, damp earth, spice - nicely balanced with good mouthfeel and long finish. Tannins are soft and well integrated.
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(Giuseppe E Figlio Mascarello Barolo Monprivato) Medium red violet color with clear meniscus; oak, brett, green nose; funky, off-tasting, bretty, tart red fruit; medium-plus finish
(MONPRIVATO Mascarello Barolo) Barolo Monprivato Dear Friends, Legends are so named for a reason and Mascarello's Monprivato is worth a special search...in 2003. Yes, I said 2003. This is a touchy subject but the American wine consumer has a tendency to pigeon-hole vintages in their entirety without giving any of the wines a second look. That's a mistake in my opinion. Being open-minded is the key to wine education - if you try not to have pre-conceived notions, your palate remains an open book that is truly centered. By searching for certain character in advance - due to vintage generality or producer history - it's very difficult to remain 100% impartial. I bring this up because, judged simply on its merits and not on preconception of vintage, the 2003 Mascarello Barolo Monprivato is a stunner. I've tried this wine a number of times but it is really starting to show well as it did over the weekend with a goulash of sausage, celery, fennel and peppers (cooked over low heat, for almost four hours, in a large cast-iron pot): I urge you to look up other TN's on this wine as well - it has so much to offer that I can't imagine I'm in the minority here? If Lafite could produce a top-tier wine in 2003 then certainly Mauro Mascarello could as well... ...and he did - at 30-40% less than the 2004. ONE SHIPMENT ONLY at this price directly from the winery cellar with perfect provenance. This is not a long-term pre-arrival. The wine will be available for local pick up in 1-2 weeks and it will ship during the on-going fall shipping season, weather permitting: 2003 G. Mascarello Barolo "Monprivato" Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Italy6952
NOTE: Some content is property of Vinous and JancisRobinson.com and View From the Cellar and RJonWine.com and Garagiste.
10/16/2023 - RichardP wrote: 91 Points
This was my last bottle of four, and although it became fairly complex as it opened up over a couple of hours, it was opened along with a bottle of Bartolo Mascarello from the same year, and this was light and faded in comparison. The tannins are long gone and the acidity falls a little short - time to drink up. This was a good value at $65 a dozen years ago; it's not a good value at current prices.
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5/1/2023 - popasq Likes this wine: 92 Points
Did not decant, drank over 2 hours, really excellent
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4/30/2023 - rnellans wrote: 94 Points
Ripe red cherries, floral notes. Quite well balanced with long finish. Velvety palate. Enjoyable.
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1/6/2023 - spendergast Likes this wine: 94 Points
This wine continues to drink well and this is my last bottle. Notes of cherry, damp earth, spice - nicely balanced with good mouthfeel and long finish. Tannins are soft and well integrated.
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11/9/2022 - Nanda wrote:
16/09/07/06/04/03/01/99/98 vertical. This is very good 2003, but it's still roasted and warm for my liking.
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