The 2006 Barolo is a pretty, soft wine laced with dried rose, spice, cherries and raspberries, all of which are woven together on a mid-weight, slightly fleeting frame. Nothing really stands out here; rather it is the balance and the overall sense of harmony that impresses most. The straight Barolo is remarkably accessible at this stage, and it should continue to drink well for a number of years, even if it may not necessarily improve a great deal from here. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2018. The transformation that has taken place at Francesco Rinaldi over the last few years is truly remarkable. It wasn’t that long ago that the wines were harsh, lean and excessively austere, even within the context of traditionally made Barolo. Not any more. Today’s wines are cut with beautiful precision and show exceptional harmony. Even better, they won’t take decades to come around. Importers: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404; Vinity Wine Company, Emeryville, CA; tel. (510) 601-6010; Triage Wines Inc., Seattle, WA; tel. (503) 236-6262; World Wide Cellars, Minneapolis, MN; tel. (612) 378-0025; Classic Wine Company, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 871-9463