The 2008 Barolo Bricco Rocche is one of the very finest wines I have tasted from Ceretto in a long time. Layers of fruit flow effortlessly from this classy, elegant Barolo. All of the elements are in place in this superb, polished effort. Sweet dark cherries, roses, spices and licorice are woven into the textured, generous finish. I can only hope the 2008 Bricco Rocche is a sign of what we can expect from Ceretto in the coming years. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028. Once the poster child of all things modern, Ceretto continues to impress with an approach that combines the best of innovation and tradition. Today macerations are longer, the wines spend less time in oak and new oak levels are lower than in the past. The 2008 Nebbioli were picked from October 5 to 10. The wines saw on average 25 days of contact with the skins. Malolactic fermentation took place in oak, and the wines were aged in barrel for 24 months, 50% new and 50% one-year-old. Starting with 2009, the Baroli are made with natural yeasts, which encourages longer and more drawn out malolactic fermentations. I have to say I am very intrigued by what is happening at Ceretto. Importer: Wilson Daniels Ltd, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661

Rich, with oak spice and chocolate accents shading cherry, plum and tobacco flavors. Tightly wound, displaying full tannins on the finish. Well-balanced, this needs time to absorb the tannins. Best from 2016 through 2030. 420 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add