The 2008 Barolo is a pretty, delicate wine graced with expressive dark red fruit, flowers and sweet herbs. It possesses lovely inner perfume and fine balance at this level. Floral notes round out the vinous finish. This is a huge over achiever in its category and easily one of the finest entry-level Baroli I tasted. The Barolo is made from six vineyards, 70% Serralunga and 30% Castiglione Falletto. In 2008, the estate’s Voghera Brea vineyard, which is typically used for the Riserva, was hit by hail, so that fruit went into the straight Barolo. Azelia aged the Barolo in cask. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2028. The 2008s from Azelia pick up where the 2007s left off, which is to say at a high level. The harvest for the Nebbiolo took place between October 12 and 25, very much on the late side. The 2008s have great acidity, expressive bouquets and intense structures, all typical of the best wines of the year. Azelia remains one of the under-the-radar jewels of Piemonte. The wines have been terrific for some time, and prices are exceedingly fair considering the quality of what goes into the bottle. Importers: Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887, Giuliana Imports, Denver, CO; tel. (303) 547-6343, Epic Wines, Santa Cruz, CA; tel. (800) 322-3742, Selected Brands, Deerfield Beach, FL; tel. (954) 428-0019

Sweet fruit is the overarching theme in this lush red. Cherry, raspberry, eucalyptus, iron and tea flavors combine with the well-integrated structure as this glides to an aftertaste of cherry and iron. Best from 2014 through 2026. 1,890 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add