The 2003 Barolo Sotto Castello di Novello presents suggestions of flowers, violets, dark cherries and spices with excellent depth. The young vines here struggled under the wilting summer heat and the wine shows the coarse, green tannins that are typical of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015. Ferruccio Grimaldi works out of a small, cramped cellar in Barolo. This estate is somewhat of an anomaly in that the entry-level Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo d-Alba Valmaggiore bottlings often show more personality than the Barolos, which I often find excessively sweet. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

Offers lovely strawberry and cherry character, with vanilla and floral notes. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins. Balanced and pretty. An early drinker, but very attractive. Drink now through 2010. 415 cases made, 180 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add