The cask-aged 2004 Barbaresco Sori Loreto presents gorgeous, expressive aromatics and a nuanced personality with notable depth as well as detail. Sweet dark fruit, menthol, spices and minerals all flow from this gorgeous, firmly structured Barbaresco. Made in a more linear style than the Bric Ronchi, the Sori Loreto reveals greater complexity as well as nuance. It is a terrific effort. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. Rocca is among the producers who has been scaling back the use of small new oak barrels in favor of medium-sized 20 hectoliter casks. His wines today are less explosive, but far more elegant. 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

Gorgeous aromas of flowers and crushed raspberry lead to a full-bodied palate, with silky yet chewy tannins. Fresh, lively and balanced. Best after 2012. 230 cases made, 70 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add