The 2007 Barolo Vecchie Vigne explodes from the glass with sumptuous dark red fruit, French oak, smoke, licorice and tar. The combination of old vines, a rich vintage and the generous use of French oak results in a big, full-bodied wine loaded with fruit. I would prefer to drink the 2007 over the near and medium term. This is a Barolo best enjoyed for its immediacy, and there is no shortage of that here. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. Various American importers, including: Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300

The 2006 Barolo Vecchie Vigne, from old vines in Giachini, remains the estate’s most modern wine. The 2006 saw 90% new oak, which adds considerable volume and depth to the dark red fruit, leather and licorice aromas and flavors that flow from the glass. The wine’s textural richness is enviable, but at the end of the day these are important vineyards that frankly don’t need the sheen of new oak to show their true voice. The Vecchie Vigne remains a wine of unrealized potential. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026. Proprietor Giuliano Corino has a stunning set of 2007 Baroli on his hands. The wines capture the ripe, open style of the vintage while preserving considerable freshness, aromatic complexity and structure. These are wonderfully complete Baroli that merit serious consideration. I expect most of the wines will drink well with a minium of cellaring, and continue to develop complexity with further time in bottle. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; tel. (415) 492-9411; Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; tel. (630) 422-1119