2004 Barolo Cru Santo Stefano di Perno, Monforte d'Alba, G.Mascarello

Following up their particularly successful 2003s, Mauro and his son Giuseppe Mascarello have produced a dazzling 2004 Santo Stefano di Perno, a brilliant single-vineyard wine from the iron-rich sandstone and marl soils of Monforte d'Alba. Ribes leaf and sage-scented notes enthral the nose while the palate rings with lift and finesse. Wow!
(David Berry Green, BBR Buyer)

Smoky, it reminds me of winter on the Embankment in London, that tantalising scent of chestnuts roasting in the cold winter wind. An absolutely delicious mouthful of sweet red pepper and dried herbs, liquorice and chocolate. There is a thrill of fennel and aniseed on a long lingering finish. Yes!
(Tamlyn Currin - jancisrobinson.com - 25 Mar 2010)

The 2004 Barolo Santo Stefano di Perno is a dramatic, large-scaled wine packed with vibrant dark fruit, menthol, violets and sweet spices. Fresh floral notes linger on the long finish. This bottling can sometimes come across as somewhat rustic, but in 2004 it is remarkably elegant, all while preserving the qualities of this unique Monforte vineyard. The Santo Stefano di Perno is the under the radar gem in this lineup. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.
(Antonio Galloni - Wine Advocate - Oct 08)