1997 Azelia "San Rocco" Barolo
SKU #993580
94 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Dark garnet-colored with an amber edge, the 1997 Barolo San Rocco possesses a phenomenal perfume of tobacco, leather, cedar, fruitcake, and cherry liqueur. Tar and rose petals (classic scents of ripe Nebbiolo) also emerge. Once past the terrific aromatics, the wine is full-bodied, rich, and supple, with an expansive texture, sweet tannin, low acidity, and gobs of fat as well as extract. This alluring Barolo is best drunk over the next 12-15 years. (RP)
(6/2001)
92 points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Full red. Sappy aromas of red- and blackcurrant, roast coffee, dark chocolate, minerals and smoky oak. Dense, sweet and deep, with impressive texture and extract and exhilarating inner-mouth perfume. Shows the lushness of the vintage in spades. Slow-building, very persistent finish features thoroughly ripe tannins. Seems as successful, and quite similar to, the '96. (ST)
(11/2000)
91 points
Wine Spectator
Very ripe plum skin, with hints of spices and flowers. Full-bodied, with very polished tannins and a long, fruity and caressing finish. Needs time to develop. Best after 2005. (JS)
(10/2001)