Vigne di Proprieta is an estate-grown wine with dark concentration and distinctive aromas of black cherry and mature fruit (likely explained by the hot vintage). The wine offers chewy fullness and opulence backed by sweet spice flavors and velvety tannins. It has power too and the alcohol definitely shows as the wine warms in the glass.——M.L.(4/1/2009)—— 89

The 2000 Barolo Vigne di Proprieta, made, as its name suggests, from a variety of proprietary vineyards, is traditional in its aromas, which feature fresh and balsamic sensations of anisette, dried roses, and leather. Smooth and supple on the palate, its silky texture its somewhat surprising for a young Barolo, but there is no lack of intensity or continuity of flavor. Drink: 2005-2015. (USA readers should be aware that the Vigne di Proprieta is sold under the name “Estate Vineyard” in America.) Importer: Palm Bay International, Port Washington, NY; tel. (516) 802-4700.

The 1999 Barolo Vigne di Proprieta, made with the grapes of a variety of different plots, is dark in color and overtly spicy in its notes of cloves and cardamom which accompany the black cherries and licorice. Smooth and silky in texture, its firm tannins on the finish suggest that it will last a bit longer than the Barolo Coste di Rose. Importer: Palm Bay International, Port Washington, NY; tel. (516) 802-4700.

Lush berry fruit and a plump, juicy mouthfeel scored big with our tasters, who also remarked on this wine’s complex notes of meat, black cherries and anise. Supple and easy on the finish, making it ready to drink now and over the next decade. ——W.E.(4/2/2004)—— 90