772 | Wine | Barolo | Page 5

"The 2006 Barolo Conca, from another of La Morra’s top sites, beautifully captures the house style in its dark red cherries, spices and menthol, all of which come together in a polished, focused expression of Nebbiolo. Rich and powerful, the wine offers exceptional depth and roundness on a finish that seems to last forever."

"The result is a Cascina Francia that is unusually dark, rich and powerful. The floral, herbal notes that are typical in young Cascina Francia have been replaced by deeper notes of tar, smoke and licorice to match the layers of intense dark fruit. The 2007 is powerful and imposing from start to finish. It is going to be a fascinating Barolo to follow over the coming years and decades."

"All of the elements that make the 2001 so attractive reappear in the 2004 Barolo Riserva Villero, only with even more expressiveness and character. The 2004 is a showstopper loaded with class and pedigree. Seemingly endless waves of explosive fruit stain the palate in this radiant, harmonious Barolo. Everything is simply in the right place, and there is just so much going on in the glass, in all direction. This is another dazzling effort from Vietti."

"The 2004 Barolo Percristina sweeps across the palate with masses of silky, dense fruit framed by firm, yet almost impossibly elegant tannins. This is an utterly captivating Barolo for its sheer power, richness and opulence. Despite the wine’s size, there is plenty of detail and nuance to explore in this utterly sensual, captivating Percristina. Readers lucky enough to find the 2004 Percristina should not hesitate, it is superb!"

"The wine’s full-bodied, powerful personality is on full display, but the 2007 doesn’t seem to have the level of nuance and detail that it often does. Still, the 2007 is a hugely enjoyable Barolo that impresses for its textural richness and full-throttle personality."

"Nothing short of superb. A melange of dark, mineral-infused fruit flows from the glass as the large-scaled Lazzarito gradually shows off its class. Licorice, tar, smoke and earthiness add layers of complexity and nuance."

"Nothing short of superb. A melange of dark, mineral-infused fruit flows from the glass as the large-scaled Lazzarito gradually shows off its class. Licorice, tar, smoke and earthiness add layers of complexity and nuance."