Bruno Giacosa Barolo Villero di Castiglione Falletto 2003

This was offering up fantastic perfumes tonight with a sharp earthy character that recalled dry, mineral rich grey clay. There were complicating notes of tar and anise with a rich underlay of dusky sweet fruit with just a hint of band-aid lurking in the background. In the mouth this was big and soft with intense, sweet, dark fruit edged with complex soil tones. There is a touch of tannin sticking out but the acids are superbly integrated. There is alot of dry extract here giving the wine a touch of a matte feel but with air this turns progressively more delicate and elegant revealing faceted complexity and excellent length on the finish. Just entering it's peak drinking window and among the very Best wines from 1988. 2008-2020 96pts.

More evolved than the Rocche with less intensity yet more complexity to the earthy core of cherry fruit that bears more than a passing resemblance to it's sibling with more clay and limestone notes anchoring the decidely autumnal notes of dried herbs and incipient beef broth. Big and opulent in the mouth with excellent balance in a succulent, resolved package that has great breadth in the mouth. Lovely balance and firmly at peak with an open, flaboyant character. Drink 2008-2018

The nose here is remarkably gentle yet with excellent persistence. The high-toned notes of tight rose bud and minerals is topped by a hint of hickory roasted notes and all wrapped around really fresh and lively red berry fruit. On entry this is light yet with a shimmeringly sweet transparency. The feel is exceptionally well focused with a touch of almond to the earthy, spicy, slightly roasted dark fruits. The great acids keep this fresh and follows through on the wild raspberry laced finish. There are wonderful complicated notes of clay, earth and leather on the backend that extend the already long finish. Wonderfully complete bottle of wine 95pts