Initially quite closed, the 2001 Barbaresco Roncaglie gradually opens to reveal a very classic profile in its floral, spiced nose and layers of pretty red cherry and mineral flavors, with excellent persistence. This subtle, medium-bodied Barbaresco is a bit austere today and will benefit from a few years of cellaring, but make no mistake about it, this a terrific effort. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

Initially quite closed, the 2001 Barbaresco Roncaglie gradually opens to reveal a very classic profile in its floral, spiced nose and layers of pretty red cherry and mineral flavors, with excellent persistence. This subtle, medium-bodied Barbaresco is a bit austere today and will benefit from a few years of cellaring, but make no mistake about it, this a terrific effort. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

This is a big, mouthfilling wine, and one that suggests good things to come from the 2001 vintage in Piedmont. Starts off with clean, pure scents of cherries, plums and vanilla, with flavors that lean toward Queen Anne cherry, black-skinned plum, earth and cedar. Lush tannins cushion the long finish. ——J.C.(11/15/2004)—— 90