Reminiscent of a right bank Pomerol from the late forties, the dark garnet/amber-edged 1997 Barolo Prapo possesses aromas and flavors of singed leather, espresso, melted caramel, black cherries, smoke, and Christmas fruitcake. Atypical for a young Nebbiolo, it is succulent, fleshy, and undeniably compelling, rich, seamless, and concentrated. Drink it over the next 12-15 years. Importer: Veuve Clicquot, New York, NY; tel. (212) 888-7575

Dark ruby-garnet. Very ripe aromas of plum, dried mushroom and earth. Decadent. Full, round and soft, with lots of fruit and a decadent finish. Very tannic still, but the fruit is ready for drinking.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Drink now. 1,160 cases made.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

Dried roses highlight the nose, followed by aromas of red berries, plums and mushrooms. Full-bodied and rich, this delivers layers of ripe fruit that turn chocolatey on the finish, where firm tannins take hold. Should be long-lived; try this Ceretto wine in 2010 or beyond.——W.E.(9/1/2001)—— 92