The 2004 Barolo is another of the leaner wines in this line-up. The aromatics are promising, but the wine clamps down on the mid-palate, showing little of the plumpness needed to balance its structural components. Importer: Tesori Wines, San Francisco, CA; tel. (310) 455-9463

Aromas of strawberry, flowers and perfumes. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and lots of ripe fruit. The new wood is showing a lot, but there's plenty of fruit to back it up. Best after 2011. 420 cases made, 380 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

This bold wine is dark in color and concentration and offers layers of ripe cherry, blackberry and loads of mineral tones such as graphite and black slate. It’s one of the darkest Barolos of the vintage and it ends with thick, drying tannins and crisp acidity. Let it age five years and drink with braised lamb chops.——M.L.(4/1/2009)—— 93