The saturated dark ruby/purple-colored 1997 Barolo Arborina offers a stunning nose of smoky, sweet oak intertwined with jammy cassis, cherry liqueur, licorice, and white truffles. Full-bodied, with explosive fruit, terrific purity, and layers of glycerin and extract, this magnificent, mouth-filling, teeth-staining Barolo possesses extraordinary symmetry for its size, as well as low acidity and nearly over-ripe tannin. There is not a hard edge to be found. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2018. 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