The 2006 Barolo Rocche shows incredible definition in detail in its perfumed, floral personality. The 2006 is not as explosive as the 2004 was at this stage, but it is eerily reminiscent of the 1989 in its sweet, Pinot-like fruit. With time in the glass, the fruit gains even more clarity while the bouquet blossoms with incredible grace, all supported by ultra-fine, silky tannins. Today the Rocche is soft and relatively accessible, but it is sure to firm up in bottle. In 2006 the Rocche saw 30 days of maceration on the skins and was aged predominantly in cask with a brief spell in French oak in between for the malolactic fermentation, a blend of traditional and modern approaches that has yielded phenomenal results here. Of course, everything starts in the vineyard, and Vietti’s commitment to low yields means that they are among the first growers to harvest in most vintages. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031. I sampled a mind-boggling array of outstanding – and often profound – wines in my marathon tasting session with proprietor and winemaker Luca Currado. The 2006 Barolos are nothing short of spectacular and the 2007s may be even better! Readers can check out notes on those wines in my recent feature on the estate posted on www.erobertparker.com. I should note that Vietti plans to release a 2006 Barolo Riserva Villero, but that wine is years from seeing the light of day. The Barolos are vinified in stainless steel, then racked into French oak for the malolactic fermentation, where the wines remain for a few months. The majority of aging takes place in large, neutral casks. Over the last few years, the use of French oak has become more measured and the Barolos are now among the elite wines of the region in virtually every vintage. In short, there seems to be no end to this estate’s ambition. Frankly, I wish there were more wineries setting their sights on this level of quality. Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405

This ripe red has all the components in the right proportions, bursting with sweet black cherry, plum and chocolate flavors that are backed by dense tannins. Needs time to integrate and develop aromatically. Best from 2014 through 2033. 350 cases made, 110 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

Rocche Barolo is another homerun for Vietti. You’ll fall in love with the wine’s rich intensity and the ensuing complexity that becomes apparent as the wine spends more time in the glass. Thanks to a continuing evolution, you’ll recognize aromas of wild berry, smoke, crushed stone, licorice, cola and mesquite. The tannins are silky and smooth. Hold ten years or more. ——M.L.(12/1/2010)—— 95