The ostentatious, staggering 1997 Barolo Bricco Rocche possesses a dark garnet color with amber at the edge. The explosive bouquet of coffee liqueur, licorice, spice box, black cherries, kirsch, raspberries, and cedar is to die for. The wine reveals numerous dimensions and nuances as well as a boatload of glycerin. Full-bodied, massively concentrated, and exceptionally thick and juicy, with a sweetness due to the high glycerin and ripeness, this is Barolo on steroids. Anticipated maturity: now-2018. Importer: Veuve Clicquot, New York, NY; tel. (212) 888-7575

The ostentatious, staggering 1997 Barolo Bricco Rocche possesses a dark garnet color with amber at the edge. The explosive bouquet of coffee liqueur, licorice, spice box, black cherries, kirsch, raspberries, and cedar is to die for. The wine reveals numerous dimensions and nuances as well as a boatload of glycerin. Full-bodied, massively concentrated, and exceptionally thick and juicy, with a sweetness due to the high glycerin and ripeness, this is Barolo on steroids. Anticipated maturity: now-2018. Importer: Veuve Clicquot, New York, NY; tel. (212) 888-7575

Dark ruby-garnet. Very aromatic, with lots of floral, berry and spice character. Full-bodied, with a solid core of ripe fruit, supersilky tannins and a long, long finish. Massive, still needs a little more time in the bottle. One of the best ever from here.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Best after 2009. 400 cases made.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

Already complex, this cru Barolo from Ceretto is packed with exotic aromas and flavors that range from pipe tobacco, cedar and cherries to tar, earth and mushrooms. A licorice or tarragon note pulls it all together. This is a full yet balanced wine that should age well for a couple of decades.——W.E.(9/1/2001)—— 92