The 2004 Barolo Lazzarito, from a vineyard in Serralunga, possesses superb depth in its ripe dark fruit, smoke, licorice, tar and sweet toasted oak. It too is a massive, powerful Barolo and the Serralunga terroir adds an extra dimension to the wine’s brooding personality. Even though new oak has been reduced to 30%, the Lazzarito remains the estate’s most modern Barolo. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. Importer: Remy Cointreau USA, New York, NY; tel. (212) 424-2204

Plum, rose and hints of meat follow through to a full body, with firm, slightly dusty and chewy tannins. This is very structured. Needs lots of time. Muscular for this wine. Best after 2013. 290 cases made, 90 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

Vietti's 2004 Barolo Lazzarito has come along nicely over the last few years. Built on a core of dense, powerful Serralunga fruit, the 2004 remains deep and mysterious to the core. Sage, rosemary, lavender and tobacco add aromatic freshness that nicely balances the overt texture shaped by new French oak. The voluptuous, racy finish is a thing of beauty. During this era, the Lazzarito saw more French oak than the other Barolos in the range. That still comes through today, but there is little doubt the 2004 is absolutely impeccable in its balance.