The concentrated, dark plum/garnet-colored, rich 1998 Barolo Prapo displays a smoky, earthy, black cherry, and new saddle leather-scented bouquet infused with licorice and espresso. Although tight, it is crammed with extract. Dense, full-bodied and long, with moderate tannin, it requires 2-3 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016. Importer: Veuve Clicquot, New York, NY; tel. (212) 888-7575

Aromas of fruit tea and peach, with plum. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and loads of plum jam, coffee, cream and vanilla character. Very exaggerated style. But I like it. Much better than I remember.--1998 Piedmont blind retrospective (2008). Best after 2009. 1,160 cases made, 350 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

A rustic style of Barolo from the six-acre Prapo vineyard. Farmyard aromas show through on the palate with soft fruit and flavors of bacon and acidity. It is certainly a distinctive style with a good sense of elegance and presence, but the flavors make it somewhat unusual. ——R.V.(11/15/2002)—— 88