Tar & Roses Local Hero Barolo 2019

It’s hard to know how to name this wine, given that the front label places an emphasis on many different things. But it’s a collaboration between Narelle King of Tar & Roses, and Davide Rosso of Giovanni Rosso. It was grown in the communes of Barolo, Castiglione Falletto and Serralunga and was matured in older and larger format oak only. Given that Tar & Roses is the classic descriptor of nebbiolo, this (or something like it) was a collaboration just waiting to happen. It’s a very impressive wine. Indeed it borders on compelling. Black cherry, fragrant herbs, leather and a bright red berry note all come flushed with dried rose, orange peel and smoked-cola characters. It’s appropriately firm, but not excessively so, and it finishes confidently. I both tasted this, in work mode, and drank a couple of glasses, afterwards, and it looks set to age well, but is also drinking well now. It’s quite a treat, really. Points: 94/100

The Wine Front ∙ 16th Dec 2024

A collaboration between Barolo winemaker Davide Rosso (of Giovanni Rosso), and Tar & Roses' Narelle King. Equal parts commune Barolo, Castiglione Falletto and Serralunga. Break out the decanter and the good glassware, this is something special. Is there anything more captivating, ethereal and so darn gorgeous as classic Barolo aromatics? Rose petal, rosehip, red cherry, aniseed, cola, fruit peel and Campari rise and rise. Flavour intensity grows in the glass, earthy, savoury tannins slowly unfold, fruit power rises and the effect is one of lively elegance. Runs long, compellingly so. Captures a classic Barolo vintage brilliantly. Points: 95/100

Halliday Wine Companion ∙ 31st Aug 2024

This is a blend of wines made from three Giovanni Rosso vineyard parcels in Barolo, centred on the famous Serralunga commune. King blended the parcels together to produce a wine she hoped would capture the floral-yet-structured quality she likes in nebbiolo from this part of the world. Twenty-four months maturing in older and larger-format barrels has helped round out the grape’s sometimes assertive, drying character. There’s an almost pinot-noir-like character to the red fruit and earthy aromas here – like fading rose petals squished into the undergrowth – and a deceptive quality to the tannins: they’re savoury and tarry, yes, but in an approachable way – firm and grippy, yet supple too. Slosh the wine into a big decanter or jug and give it a good swirl before drinking out of big, widebowled glasses alongside something slow-cooked and porky.

The Australian Financial Reivew ∙ 1st Jul 2023