The 2005 Barolo Brunate/Le Coste presents a darker shade of red fruit along with a more muscular, dense personality. This, too, is a relatively soft style for Rinaldi, and while some of the complexity of the finest vintages appears to be lacking, the wine nevertheless offers compelling balance and harmony. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. These 2005s from Giuseppe Rinaldi are pretty, mid-weight offerings. Some of the complexity and sheer explosiveness of his best vintages is missing, but in exchange the wines should drink well relatively early. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

Leathery nose; sweet fruit, foft tannin; youthful and vigorous.

Here is a rich and expressive Barolo (with fruit sourced from the celebrated Brunate Le Coste cru) that focuses squarely on fruit and floral aromas. There are tiny background shadings of clove and exotic spice that bring up the rear and the wine’s mouthfeel is polished and tight.——M.L.(2/1/2010)—— 89