The very complete and immensely enjoyable 1998 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda presents a superbly elegant nose of violets, menthol, spices, licorice, smoke and underbrush. It comes across as soft yet persistent, and displays beautifully delineated flavors of rich dark fruit, with a balsamic note that develops in the glass, finishing with great length and overall balance. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799

The very complete and immensely enjoyable 1998 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda presents a superbly elegant nose of violets, menthol, spices, licorice, smoke and underbrush. It comes across as soft yet persistent, and displays beautifully delineated flavors of rich dark fruit, with a balsamic note that develops in the glass, finishing with great length and overall balance. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018.Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799

The medium garnet-colored, silky-textured 1998 Barolo Vigna Rionda offers complex aromatics of cherry cough syrup mixed with Provencal herbs, spice box, and tar. Dense, with excellent fruit concentration, good sweetness on the attack and mid-palate, and ripe tannin, it will be at its peak between 2004-2014.A Leonardo Locascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620