The 2008 Barolo is a pretty, understated wine laced with dark red fruit, flowers, spices, mint and licorice. The tannins could use another year to soften, but this mid-weight, vinous wine is well suited for drinking over the next few years. If opened today, the wine needs at least 30 minutes of air for the aromatics to find their focus. This is a terrific entry-level Barolo. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887

A big, brooding style, dense with tannins and focused on the chewy, licorice-and-tar side of the flavor spectrum. Offers plenty of sweet fruit, balanced in a broad-shouldered way, with a fine, savory finish. Best from 2016 through 2035. 1,500 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add