The 2006 Barolo Bricco Luciani is a soft, accessible wine laced with perfumed red berries, spices and roses. The wine reveals lovely length and an elegant finish but it lacks a touch of depth and body that might otherwise elevate it. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2021. Federico Grasso is often one of the last producers to bottle his entire range, so I was only able to taste his Bricco Luciani and Ciabot Manzoni, which happen to be the Barolos he is best known for. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

A round, lush style, packed with black cherry, licorice, tar and spice aromas and flavors. The tannins are firm and chewy, but this should be approachable soon. A hint of oak spice accents the finish. Best from 2012 through 2025. 500 cases made, 216 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

Here’s a wine that shows careful craftsmanship in both the vineyard and the winery. Silvio Grasso’s Barolo Bricco Luciani is a bold and expertly extracted wine with heft and determination that is in no way overdone. You’ll identify aromas of spice, smoke, cinnamon and clove lavished over a bright core of blackberry and plum. The wine also offers interesting earthy tones, with smoked or cured meat nuances. ——M.L.(12/1/2010)—— 94