The 2005 Barolo is an intense, weighty wine at this level. Dark cherries, violets and minerals all come forward in an energetic, powerful style, but the tannins ultimately prove to be overpowering. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2017. Giampaolo Pira produces some of the most extroverted wines in Barolo. In 2005 his wines reveal a lovely purity to their fruit but because of their relatively modest structures, the wines seem to be dominated by an excessive amount of French oak. 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