The 2005 Barolo Le Vigne opens with fresh, high-toned aromas that meld into a core of perfumed red fruits. There is notable vibrancy to the fruit, and although the 2005 is a relatively small-scaled vintage for this wine, the balance is exceptional. The Le Vigne has more than enough fruit to follow through all the way to the close, where notes of raspberry jam offer a final burst of intensity. Le Vigne is made from a number of parcels in Vignane (Barolo), Conterni and Ceretta (Monforte) and Merli (Novello). In 2005 the harvest took place in the first two weeks of October. The wines were vinified separately, then racked into 500-liter barrels. The final blend was assembled in the summer of 2006. Every year I taste through the various parcels separately and every year I am amazed by the way the final blend transcends the quality of the individual wines. Simply put, Le Vigne is a gem of a wine from Luciano Sandrone. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. A visit with Luciano Sandrone is always a highlight of my tastings in Piedmont. As usual, I spent quite a bit of time tasting through the 2006s, 2007s, and 2008s, and I am happy to report that Sandrone has a number of exciting wines in the cellar at this stage. Even though Sandrone is one of the earliest producers to bottle his Barolos, the 2005s have only recently begun to show their true potential. Importer: Vintus LLC, Pleasantville, NJ tel. (914) 769-3000

Sweet blackberry and cherry aromas, with hints of flowers. Full-bodied, with a solid core of blackberry fruit and a long finish. Tight and chewy. Layered and pretty. Racy and fruity. Best after 2011. 1,450 cases made, 435 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

Coffee, underbrush and mineral palate, with a long, dried-cherry finish. Atypical but good.

The Le Vigne cru from Luciano Sandrone delivers focused aromas of wild cherries, white almond, cola and light shadings of sweet spice. The texture is drying and firm and the wine excels in the mouth thanks to the tight and supple feel of its tannins. Pair this delicious wine with lamb, pork or beef.——M.L.(2/1/2010)—— 94