The 1999 Barolo La Rocca e La Pira opens with a dark-toned yet translucent ruby color and a nuanced, balsamic nose followed by layers of vibrant sweet fruit that blossom onto the palate with awesome purity, class and elegance. As it sits in the glass a multitude of smoke, tar, violet, menthol and spice nuances make an appearance, completing this delicious, classically structured Barolo. In 1999 some of the wood foudres were new and this wine shows a note of sweet toasted oak that is somewhat uncharacteristic for this producer. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2024. Importer: Louis Dressner Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 334-8191.