The Barolo San Rocco has typically been my favorite wine in the line-up and the 2003 is another winner. Made in a full-bodied, powerful style, it reveals an exciting array of dark cherries, violets, licorice, menthol and smoke, with plenty of depth as well as richness to balance its structural components. A lingering note of sweetness defines the finish of this outstanding Barolo, which is one of the more successful wines of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. Azelia remains a great source for relatively well-priced Barolos. In particular, the San Rocco, from a vineyard in Serralunga, is often one of the region’s top bottlings as it is again in 2003. Proprietor Luigi Scavino has a new Barolo this year, made from the Margheria vineyard, also in Serrlaunga. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

Shows wonderful plum and blackberry aromas, with hints of fresh porcini. Full-bodied, soft and round, with cedar, meat and berry character. Rich, generous and stylish. Best after 2010. 515 cases made, 340 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add