The 2009 Barolo Villero Riserva does a terrific job of portraying this special vineyard. Only seven producers make wine in the Villero cru and this is one of the nicest available on release now. Those extra years of aging have added tertiary tones of spice and licorice on top of pronounced primary aromas of dark fruit and blackcurrant. The wine is brooding, dark and masculine with round density and polished tannins. It is streamlined and elegant with compelling tones of crushed black pepper on the long finish.