Serious connoisseurs will be turned on by the complexity, austerity, and nobility of the 1996 Barolo Ravera. Its dark plum color is accompanied by a sweet nose of smoked herbs, black cherries, minerals, spice, and tobacco. Complex and full-bodied, with outstanding richness and moderately high tannin, this 1996 is approachable, but promises to be even better with an additional 3-4 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200