Azelia, Barolo San Rocco 2013 12x75cl

Another highlight in this range, the 2013 Barolo San Rocco is utterly beguiling. The bouquet alone is striking, but it is the wine’s total balance that is most appealing today. Tasted next to the Margheria, the San Rocco is deeper, darker and more overtly powerful, with a greater sense of Serralunga tannic clout. Dark cherry, tobacco, menthol, licorice and sweet spices give the San Rocco much of its exotic personality. The San Rocco was aged in French oak barrels, with about 10% new wood. 95AG

Azelia has hit it out of the ballpark with the three single-vineyard Barolos presented. The 2013 Barolo San Rocco is a rich and penetrating wine that keeps a sharp focus on balance and harmony all the while. This vineyard is located in Serralunga d’Alba, and the vines were planted in the early 1990s. The bouquet is robust and forthcoming with dark fruit, spice and cured leather. But ethereal notes of smoke, tar and licorice also lift delicately from the bouquet. You get both power and elegance with this cellar-worthy wine. 94+WA