Mascarello’s 2008 Dolcetto d’Alba Monrobiolo Rue is one of the better Dolcettos in this tricky vintage. The wine is impressive for the intensity it shows in a core of vibrant plums, violets, flowers and spices. A harmonious, elegant finish rounds out this strong effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2014. This is the strongest set of new releases I have tasted at Bartolo Mascarello in some time. I would be hard pressed to name another winery that has made such important strides in improving quality and consistency in recent years. The 2006 Barolo is fantastic, as it often is, but this year I was especially taken with the quality of the entry-level wines. Everything about Mascarello remains rigidly traditional in style, with the sole exception of barrel aging for the Barolo, which is a touch shorter than it used to be.Importer: Robert Chadderdon Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 332-4999