The 2007 Barolo Ciabot Manzoni is darker, richer and more structured than the Bricco Luciani. It also sees more new oak, which I am not convinced this bottling truly needs. Dark plums, cherries, menthol, licorice and spices are some of the nuances that flow gracefully from this nicely crafted Barolo. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. As is typically the case, Grasso bottled his 2007s later than most of his colleagues, which meant I was only able to sample two Baroli from bottle. 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, Bensenville IL; tel. (630) 422-1119

5 7 This is a wine to fall immediately in love with. How can anyone resist this density, richness in color and concentration? Black spice and mature fruit aromas are woven around delicate touches of red rose, cherry cola and mesquite smoke. The wine’s generous persistency can be counted in many long minutes. Drink after 2018. ——M.L.(9/1/2011)—— 95