The 2005 Barolo is a deep, dense effort loaded with dark fruit, spices and sweet toasted oak. A rich, round Barolo, this medium-bodied offering shows lovely balance and a long, polished finish, all of which makes it an excellent choice for near-term drinking. Most of the fruit for this bottling comes from the Via Nuova vineyard in the town of Barolo. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2015. Proprietor Ferruccio Grimaldi continues to show improvement, and these are the finest Barolos I have tasted from him thus far. The wines show more Nebbiolo expressiveness and better use of oak than has been the case in the past. 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

Shows wonderfully elegant and subtle fruit aromas. Perfumed. Full-bodied, with very fine tannins and beautiful fruit. The finish is silky, with beautiful, complex flavors. Best after 2011. 300 cases made, 150 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add