La Spinetta's 2006 Barolo Vigneto Garretti is a floral, inviting Barolo graced with crushed flowers, berries, spices, mint and licorice. This is a decidedly mid-weight, feminine style for La Spinetta. Floral tones reappear on the finish adding lift and freshness. Though medium in body today, there certainly seems to be the potential for this to put on some weight over the next few years. The firm tannins need a few years in bottle to soften. The Garretti is a new bottling from La Spinetta made from the lower slopes of the estate's vineyards in Grinzane Cavour. Previously this fruit had been included in the top of the line Barolo Campe-. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Importers: Indigenous Selection, Fort Lauderdale FL; tel. (954) 963 6251; Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300

Flavors of macerated cherry and medicinal herbs, with a hint of orange peel, mark this dense, sinewy red, which is light, elegant and lively, with a firm backbone of tannins. Be patient. Best from 2014 through 2027. 650 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add