The dark ruby/purple-colored 1997 Barolo Bricco Gattera possesses good structure, huge tannin, and a long, powerful, rustic, intense finish. It is a difficult wine to evaluate being huge in the mouth, and the rustic, dry, astringent tannin could be troublesome with aging. It has the potential depth to be outstanding, but is the necessary balance present? Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020.
Importers: Empson USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900; Verdoni Imports, Hawthorne, NJ; tel. (973) 636-0800, and Villa Italia, San Francisco, CA; tel. (650) 873-6060; Bertin Henri Selections, 10900 NW 21st St, Unit 180, Doral, FL 33172; tel: (305) 343-4054