Parusso’s 2001 Barolo Riserva Bussia Oro is a difficult wine to understand. Multiple bottles have shown far more advanced notes than I expect from a top Barolo in this powerful, structured vintage. Truffles, autumn leaves, tobacco and roasted coffee bean emerge from the glass, but the wine seems to lack fruit, leading to an overall impression of disjointedness. While it is possible the wine may eventually find its balance in bottle, I find the probability of that happening highly unlikely. Frankly, this is a mystifying Barolo from Parusso. Four bottles tasted with consistent notes. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2013. Importer: Montecastelli Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 414-4898