Barolo DOCG 2004

Big and fruit driven nose, soapy flowers but not roses, even through the noticeable yet tolerable TCA. Very balsamic and menthol rich penetrating tones that work through the TCA. Big sweet fruit entry then tones of pine notes, tannins start out sweet then turn drying quickly. Real great fruit in there, just a bit disjointed at first though the dryness of the tannins is troubling. Lovely freshness and purity to the fruit on the finish, which is very long with a tender succulence. Real Nebbiolo character even through the TCA, which becomes decidedly more noticeable on the finish. Clean bottles should be excellent in a pure, fruit driven style. 90pts plus potential

Dusty, earthy tones on the nose with a bit of strong rose/ floral potpourri and crushed cherry fruit, emerging balsamic tones, drying asphalt and a hint of burning cherry pie juices 3 Great bright acids with very polished tannins, very fine balance 2+ Great cut in the mouth with a chalky earth tone under dark cherry, leathery fruit with hints of plum skin and melon rind, a bit unevolved but classic 2+ Reveals great purity of fruit on the finish with peach skin tannins, a hint of talc, and gentle balsamic finale 3 91pts

This smelled big and muscular right out of the bottle and that translated into a rich and smooth mouthfeel packed with fine-grained tannins and fleshy fruit though there was a sense that there was more extraction of matter than flavor here as the red currant fruit was a touch diffuse and short on the finish. With air this gained excellent focus on the nose with tight, high-pitched notes of rosehips and tobacco, and while the palate remained a touch diffuse the seductive red fruit notes with their tinges of roast chestnut sweetness had a lovely texture. Ripe tannins and enough acidity to keep this rather consistent wine interesting. 90pts