The 2006 Barolo Rocche dell’Annunziata is a standout among this year’s crop of current releases. The tannins are exceptionally fine, as they so often are in wines from this important site. Soft, seamless and silky on the palate, the 2006 Rocche caresses the palate with endless layers of ripe, perfumed fruit. The virtually imperceptible, refined tannins make the 2006 Rocche enjoyable today, but it should also age very nicely. This is wonderful juice! Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031. Brothers Enzo and Carlo Revello have turned out a strong set of 2006 Barolos. Revello has dropped the percentage of new oak to 50% for their single-vineyard Barolos, with the exception of the Gattera, which is aged in a single 15-hectoliter barrel. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

Enticing flavors of bilberry, licorice, menthol and spice mark this exuberant red. Its sweet fruit and bristling tannins are in harmony, leaving a long, spicy aftertaste. Best from 2012 through 2025. 83 cases made, 50 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

Classic nose with hints of savoury, truffle, meat, good oak, prune, vanilla, blackberry and prune. Concentrated, full-bodied style with dry, firm tannins and high acidity framing dark, deep fruit. Needs time but all the elements are there. Alc: 14.5%.