Giuseppe Mascarello, Barolo Monprivato, 2006

Barolo's aristocrat, in a powerful vintage. Giuseppe Mascarello, led by Mauro Mascarello, is an old-guard traditional estate ageing its wines in Slavonian casks now some 70 years old, and Monprivato, their largely family-held cru in Castiglione Falletto, ranks among the most prestigious vineyards in the Langhe, its calcareous-marl soils yielding refined, long-lived Nebbiolo. The 2006 was a structured, powerful, deeply tannic vintage built for the long haul, and this remains a serious wine, now entering its prime but with years ahead. Decant generously and pair with rich food.