The 2005 Barolo Arborina is a gorgeous, harmonious offering redolent of scented spices, flowers, menthol and red fruit, with sweet French oak notes that linger on the finish. This is a very pretty and focused Barolo from the Arborina vineyard. As it turns out, brothers Renato and Giovanni Corino’s parcels in Arborina are not contiguous and are quite different in terms of soil composition and microclimate. The vines are younger in Renato’s plot, while Giovanni’s are older (hence his wine’s richer texture) but both Corino Arborinas are beautiful in 2005. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022. Renato Corino is one of La Morra’s most gregarious producers. Though deeply influenced by his neighbor Elio Altare, Corino is one of the more experienced growers in La Morra and is really more of a transitional figure between Altare and the younger generation of producers. After dividing the family holdings with his brother Giuliano, Renato moved across the valley, where he has built a new home and cellar perched atop the Arborina vineyard. Over the years, Renato Corino’s wines have proven to age quite nicely and that should be the case with these wines as well. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

Blueberry and vanilla aromas follow through to a full body, with loads of ripe fruit and velvety tannins. Big, rich, juicy and exotic. Best after 2012. 220 cases made, 110 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add