The 2005 Barolo Riserva Vignolo emerges from the glass with freshly cut flowers, tar, mint, licorice and plums. There is an exotic quality to the fruit I find very appealing, yet this remains a quintessential Castiglione Falletto Barolo built on aromatics, elegant fruit and silky tannins. There is an energy and vibrancy I find highly appealing. The 2005 is a feminine Vignolo, but the wine gains considerable richness as it sits in the glass. This is a fabulous showing. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. It’s nice to see Cavallotto finally getting some serious recognition. This small, family-run property has been making stellar wines for years, but for some reason the outside world has only caught on relatively recently. 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, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

Cavallotto (Tenuta Bricco Boschis) offers a dark and powerful Riserva with a masculine, brooding personality complete with black spice, peppercorn, licorice, cola, prune and blackberry preserves. The wine concludes with a soft, velvety mouthfeel. ——M.L.(9/1/2011)—— 91