The 2003 Barolo Ciabot Manzoni is another of the more successful wines. It is a fresh, vibrant Barolo with a generous, ample personality, outstanding length and plenty of sweet layered red cherries, menthol and sweet toasted oak. It is also the most oaky of these wines and will require another year or two in bottle to come together. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016. Federico Grasso is a small artisan grower based in La Morra. The estate’s Barolos are among my favorite wines for near-term drinking in most vintages. However, these 2003s show an uneven level of quality which is typical of the vintage. 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

Rich strawberry and milk chocolate aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a long finish. Best after 2010. 250 cases made.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add