The 2000 Barolo Brunate presents aromatics that are more advanced than the wine’s fruit and tannins, a common state for the less successful 2000s. Sweet balsamic notes develop in the glass, adding some complexity, but the wine remains excessively marked by French oak. Some wines from this period have absorbed the oak (the 1998 Lazzarito comes to mind) but not here. Dry, woody tannins frame the finish. There isn’t too much upside from cellaring bottles further. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015. Long-time readers know the late 1990s and early 2000s were a period of transition at Vietti. It was a time of experimentation with winemaking that led to the growth that now informs the spectacular wines of more recent vintages.Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405

The 2000 Barolo Brunate presents aromatics that are more advanced than the wine’s fruit and tannins, a common state for the less successful 2000s. Sweet balsamic notes develop in the glass, adding some complexity, but the wine remains excessively marked by French oak. Some wines from this period have absorbed the oak (the 1998 Lazzarito comes to mind) but not here. Dry, woody tannins frame the finish. There isn’t too much upside from cellaring bottles further. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015. Long-time readers know the late 1990s and early 2000s were a period of transition at Vietti. It was a time of experimentation with winemaking that led to the growth that now informs the spectacular wines of more recent vintages. Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405

Very ripe and mushroomy with a decadent edge. Floral. Full-bodied, with very velvety tannins and a long, fruity, cedary finish. Refined and elegant. Best after 2008. 200 cases made, 75 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add