The 2009 Cannubi S. Lorenzo – Ravera shows similar tones of dark tobacco leaf and herb. But this expression also delivers a dusty mineral note that beautifully frames and delineates the overall bouquet. The big surprise is due to the crisp freshness of this wine. Thanks to that acidity, you can count on the wine’s aging potential. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. This historic brand, presents some of the purest Barolo available today. Importer: Vinifera Imports; New York, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

The 2008 Barolo Cannubi/S. Lorenzo-Ravera impresses for its gorgeous, perfumed fruit and totally sublime personality. The 2008 doesn't appear to have shut down post-bottling yet, which is surprising, so the wine is quite open for now, although I expect it will clamp down. Sweet floral notes, hard candy and tobacco are supported by ripe, silky tannins on the super-refined finish. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038. I remember the first time I visited Giuseppe Rinaldi, about ten years ago. Buying the wines was no problem, even going back a few vintages. Today, the world has caught on and the wines seem to literally evaporate from the market. Barolo lovers recognize this small family-run estate embodies all of the qualities of the traditional school in Barolo. One of the developments of the last few years is that the Barolo Cannubi/S. Lorenzo-Ravera is much closer in quality to the Brunate-Le Coste, although in terms of their personalities, the wines remain naturally quite different. Other than that, not that much has changed. The most modern addition to the cellar is a telephone - rotary, of course. Rinaldi's 2008s are just as beautiful from bottle as they were when I tasted them from barrel last fall. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

The 2007 Barolo Cannubi/S.Lorenzo-Ravera emerges from the glass with sweet dark cherries, crushed flowers, menthol and spices. It is pure seduction, with effortless layers of fruit that blossom beautifully on the mid-palate and finish. I especially like the radiance and depth of the fruit. The Cannubi/S.Lorenzo-Ravera is a touch more marked by the vintage than the Brunate-Le Coste. Still, it is a striking Barolo from Giuseppe Rinaldi that won’t need too long in the cellar to offer its finest drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027. Giuseppe Rinaldi is the standard bearer for the traditional school of Barolo. Over the last few years Rinaldi’s wines have become more elegant, no doubt reflecting the increasing influence of Rinaldi’s daughter Marta. The 2007 Baroli are striking. They aren’t quite as profound as the 2006s, but that is perhaps asking too much. Readers who want to learn more about Rinaldi may want to check out my video on www.erobertparker.com. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

With a blend of fruit from three important vineyard crus (mineral- driven Cannubi, elegant San Lorenzo and the more structured Ravera), this pretty wine gives an excellent overall view of Nebbiolo. The nose is redolent of forest fruit, raspberry, violet and soy sauce. ——M.L.(9/1/2011)—— 91

The 2006 Barolo Cannubi/S.Lorenzo-Ravera is surprisingly rich and opulent in this vintage. Sweet red cherries, menthol, spices and flowers emerge with gorgeous inner perfume and great body. This shows incredible power and richness through to the round enveloping finish, where sweet roses and cherries in liqueur linger for an eternity. Readers who are used to squeaky-clean wines might take issue with the volatile acidity here, but with time in the glass all of the elements come together beautifully, suggesting all the wine needs is time. This is one of the most impressive vintages of the Cannubi/San Lorenzo I can remember tasting. I could smell this all day. It is a knockout! Anticipated maturity: 2021-2036. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907