Damilano Barolo 2003

Exhibits beautiful ripe berry and hints of meat and mushroom. Full-bodied, with round, chewy tannins, but turns slightly hollow on the finish. Best after 2011.

The estate's 2003 Barolo Lecinquevigne, made from a blend of five vineyards, is a soft, medium-weight Barolo that is a good choice for near-term drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2013. Theres plenty of crushed blackberry and flowers on the nose. Full-bodied, showing lots of bright fruit and clean acidity, with a medium finish. Best after 2009. 7,500 cases made. -JS

RP: 87 Points WS: 87 Points

As the name suggests, Damilano's entry-level 2004 Barolo Lecinquevigne is made from five vineyards in the villages of Barolo, Castiglione Falletto and Monforte, and is aged in a combination of Slavonian and French oak. Tar, smoke, earthiness and black cherries emerge as this Barolo flows from the glass, showing unusually refined tannins for this bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2018.

Extremely perfumed with blackberry, cedar and ripe strawberries on the nose. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. A beautifully balanced and crafted red. Best after 2010.

A pretty floral nose of fresh picked berries and rose water leads into a rich, deep, balanced red. A slight hint of mushroom and cedar complement the soft, succulent tannins and big, lush black fruit. This wine makes a fabulous gift and is sure to impress all that encounter it. Drink over the next few decades.

Intense aromas of plums, mushroom and cedar follow through to a full-bodied palate, with big velvety tannins and an ultrarich aftertaste. Blockbuster and excellent value. Best after 2008.