772 | Wine | Barolo | Page 6

"The 2003 Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto is a fascinating wine. It is classic Giacosa, with a lovely core of sweet roses, raspberries, licorice and menthol that is currently hiding under an imposing wall of tannins. It is also a wine of contrasts, at times open and accessible, at others brooding and shut down. As it sits in the glass the fruit gradually emerges to fill out the wine’s structure. It had only improved when I re-tasted it several days after first opening the bottle."

"The estate’s 2001 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is a massive and strapping Barolo with an exciting nose of sweet ripe fruit, licorice, tar and mint. This deeply colored, masculine, full-bodied Barolo is packed with layers of dense backward dark fruit, prune, plum and macerated cherry flavors, with a distinctly mentholated note that gives it a sense of freshness and balance. It finishes with huge tannins which suggest patience will be required."

"The 2008 Barolo Castiglione is striking. Sweet red berries, freshly cut flowers, spices and mint are some of the many nuances that flow from this impeccable, mid-weight Barolo. The 2008 Castiglione impresses for its exceptional balance, polished finish and sheer beauty. This is a feminine Castiglione graced with exquisite class. With time in the glass, the wine fleshes out beautifully. Once again, the Castiglione delivers incredible value."

"Scavino’s 2004 Barolo Carobric comes across as classic in its expression of violets, black cherries, minerals and sweet toasted oak. It too offers gorgeous inner sweetness to its fruit, but it is more focused and less concentrated than the other 2004 Barolos. This is a beautifully proportioned, vibrant Barolo that is sure to find many admirers. Carobric is made from a blend of Rocche di Castiglione, Bric del Fiasc and Cannubi This bottling has often suffered an identity crisis among the single-vineyard wines in the lineup but in recent years its personality has gradually begun to show its potential."

"The black currant, violet, black cherry and mineral aromas and flavors in this red are seductive. A rich and supple wine, though well-structured, with only hints of the tar and medicinal herb notes of many Barolos. The long aftertaste features fruit and mineral."

"The 2004 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe comes across as decidedly powerful and broad-shouldered next to the Vignolo. A wall of massive tannins makes it hard to see through to the wine’s potential but with air the multiple dimensions of its personality begin to open up. Dark fruit, tar, mint, pine and a host of other spiced, balsamic aromas and flavors make an appearance on the large-scaled, dramatic finish. The 2004 San Giuseppe is an utterly mind-blowing, dramatic Barolo from Cavallotto."

"The 2006 Barolo Castiglione is frighteningly outstanding, considering it is Vietti’s entry-level Barolo! There is incredible density and power in the glass as waves of fruit caress the palate with tons of richness. Sweet menthol, flowers and spices add complexity to the long, stupendous finish." 92+ pts.

"The 2004 Barolo Riserva Rocche dell’Annunziata has developed beautifully since I last tasted it a few years ago. That said, I am amazed how bright and primary the fruit still is. Sweet, perfumed aromatics lead to a core of silky fruit as this elegant, pedigreed Barolo emerges from the glass. The tannins are exceptionally refined all the way through to the finish, while the French oak is virtually imperceptible. What remains is a gorgeous, fruit-driven Barolo that captures the essence of the Scavino style at its best. The wine should enjoy a long drinking window to age 25 and quite likely longer."

"Pure but reticent aromas of minerals and spices, with a deep woodsy sweetness. Then dense, lush and silky but youthfully backward. This powerfully minerally, spicy wine boasts fruit of steel. Finishes with big, broad, strong tannins and great length and grip." Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer.

"A fat, juicy wine that comes across as more immediate than some of the other Barolos in this line-up. Smoke, tar and licorice meld into a core of gloriously ripe fruit. There is incredible density and richness to the Brunate, qualities that carry through to the impeccably round, harmonious finish." 95+ pts.