The 2001 Barolo Bricco Manzoni has aged gracefully. Dark red fruit, smoke, licorice, spices and tar emerge from this muscular, firm Barolo. The 100% new French oak barrels mark the wine to a considerable degree, but that hasn’t kept the wine from developing beautifully over the years. This is a great showing for the Bricco Manzoni. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. Grasso is one of the most overlooked producers in Piedmont. The Baroli are delicious upon release and also age beautifully, even in lesser years. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411, Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887

The deeply colored 2001 Barolo Ciabot Manzoni is very modern on the nose with suggestions of toasted oak, vanilla and underbrush, followed by layers of dark red fruit, licorice and tar. It offers more structure with broader, longer tannins and notable length. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700; and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

This shows lots of dried flowers and berry aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, mouthpuckering finish. Big wine. This is better than the 2000. Best after 2008. 250 cases made.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add