1998 Malvira' Roero Superiore

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  4/28/2009, (See more on Garagiste...)

  (MALVIRA Roero Superiore) 1998 Dear Friends, Another treasure from the Malvira library - this 1998 Roero mimics a Barolo jr and it is drinking superbly right now. For this price, it's almost a laugh for library-aged stock of this quality. 1998 was the last vintage the winery blended the Mombeltramo and Trinita into one Superiore designated wine but it was still priced at the lower Trinita level. In 1999, the culled out the Mombeltramo, raised the price of the culled parcel and kept the price of the Trinita the same as this. While some may prefer 1999 as a vintage, for current drinking (coupled with the fact that this is almost 60% Mombeltramo) I will take the 1998 any day to the week. The 1999 is also terrific but drink this now and over the next 3-4 years while you wait for the 1999 to completely evolve. This is a sensual wine with a gorgeous texture, full of no-nonsense style and a cacophony of spice and aged Nebbiolo whiffs and flavors. The color is still youthful (certainly from the provenance) and it's overall character is one of a delightfully aged but fresh example without aged oxidation. In a cold cellar, this wine will last for at least another 3-4 years at peak (as noted). A powerful wine that is a true representation of the vintage at a price that turns back the clock to the late 1990's. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for perfect provenance/library ageing and terrific value for aged Nebbiolo: 1998 Malvira Roero Superiore (this is not the regular Roero DOC or the S. Gugielmo - this is the winery's top estate selection) Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Italy4387