Aromas of mushrooms, meat and berries. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a silky, caressing finish. Very fine indeed. A beautiful wine. Best after 2008. 655 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

The 2001 Barolo Parussi opens with an elegant, Burgundian nose of sweet fruit, flowers, minerals and underbrush. This mid-weight Barolo shows Pinot Noir-like bright red and black cherry fruit with notes of menthol and toasted oak. A wine of great finesse, the Parussi is the most delicate of this producer’s three Barolos. Sadly 2001 is the last vintage for this wine, as the estate was not able to renew its lease for the vineyard. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2016. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

Terrific aromas of cedar, dried mushroom, berries and plums follow through to a full-bodied palate, with big, silky tannins and a long, long finish. Delicious to taste. Will be even better with time. Best after 2009. 640 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

Conterno Fantino’s 2000 Barolo Parussi is the last they will produce – it has been made from a rented vineyard which now has been sold. The wine itself, as has always been the case, is less sweet and full than the other offerings, fragrant, floral, and spicy in aroma, round and silky in flavor and with attractive notes of tar and licorice, but shorter and less fleshy on the finish. Drink: 2005-2014. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900