The 2005 Barolo Brunate offers lovely richness in its sweet, perfumed red fruits, leather, spices and French oak. This is an especially graceful Brunate from Ceretto that dances on the palate, showing gorgeous balance and poise. The finish is long, sweet and harmonious, with the fruit offering lovely density to balance the tannins. In short, this is a beautiful effort from Ceretto. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. (Not yet released) These new releases from Ceretto are the finest wines I have tasted from this estate in many a year. The oak seems to have been dialed back, and the wines show more purity of fruit while staying faithful to the house style. Simply put, this is an impressive set of wines from a historic property that has been an underachiever in recent years. I can only hope that these 2005 Barolos signal a return to the level of quality that brought Ceretto the recognition the estate enjoys today. As we went to press I was informed that as of May 1 Ceretto’s new US importer is Wilson-Daniels. Importer: Wilson Daniels Ltd, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661 (Effective May 1st, 2009)

Shows ripe fruit, dried mushroom and hints of black licorice on a full body, offering round tannins and a velvety-textured finish, with lots of vanilla. A little subdued now. Needs to open. Best after 2012. 1,500 cases made, 300 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add