The estate’s 2005 Barolo Bricco Rocche reveals terrific richness and density in a full-bodied seamless style. Ripe red fruits, flowers, spices and French oak all come together in an explosive, heady Barolo. Clean mineral notes frame the long, refined finish. This too needs time to settle down, but it is shaping up to be a gorgeous wine in this vintage. I have never understood the premium this wine commands vis-a-vis the estate’s other Barolos, but it is undoubtedly a very fine wine. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. (Not yet released) These new releases from Ceretto are the finest wines I have tasted from this estate in many a year. The oak seems to have been dialed back, and the wines show more purity of fruit while staying faithful to the house style. Simply put, this is an impressive set of wines from a historic property that has been an underachiever in recent years. I can only hope that these 2005 Barolos signal a return to the level of quality that brought Ceretto the recognition the estate enjoys today. As we went to press I was informed that as of May 1 Ceretto’s new US importer is Wilson-Daniels. Importer: Wilson Daniels Ltd, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661 (Effective May 1st, 2009)

A young Barolo that verges on being exotic, showing intense ripe berry and toasty oak character, with lots of coconut as well. Full and chewy, with big, juicy tannins and a long finish. Intense and powerful. Serious. Best after 2014. 500 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

Nebbiolo grapes, with their naturally elegant aromas of black currant and licorice, speak loudly. So does winery magic: Tones of spice, leather, cola and tobacco are derived from 24 months of careful oak aging. The tannins are fine and tight and this wine will age ten years or more. ——M.L.(12/1/2010)—— 95