The estate’s 2005 Barolo is pretty and sensual in its dark fruit, menthol, spices and licorice. This mid-weight Barolo reveals gorgeous balance and a long finish and a relatively accessible personality for this bottling. That said, the wine needs a few years in bottle for the tannins to soften. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. Proprietor Pio Boffa clearly has a huge passion for wine. Then again, he owns some of the finest vineyards in the region. My recent tasting with Boffa included a number of older Barolos, all of which had developed very nicely.Importer: Maison Marques & Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000

Very ripe fruit aromas, with sultana, prune and dried flowers. Full-bodied, with seamless yet chewy tannins and a long finish. Lasts a long time. Best after 2012. 5,000 cases made. -JS

Firm but sophisticated, with earthy aromas of saddle leather, spice cabinet and violets upfront, followed by flavors of crushed roses in the mouth. Long, dry finish. A bold wine to pair with bold food. Give the gripping tannins least three to four years to mellow out before opening.——W.E.(2/1/2010)—— 91