This opens with a bright fruit tone backed by notes of raw spice, fresh ginger, cola and dried herb. The palate shows clean, bold intensity thanks to the firm, polished nature of the tannins. — (9/1/2012) —91

7 Here’s a beautiful Barolo that exhibits a compact, streamlined style that would pair with lighter- colored meats such as pork or veal. There are pretty earthy notes of wild mushroom and dried fruit followed by ethereal tones of soy and cola. Drink after 2018. ——M.L.(9/1/2011)—— 93

Thanks to its plush and velvety nature, this is a wine with universal appeal. Barolo Bricco Sarmassa opens in big fashion with aromas of black cherry, Indian spice, vanilla and dark espresso bean. It’s tight and tannic in the mouth but, fundamentally, the wine’s saving grace is that it’s never too extracted or overblown. ——M.L.(12/1/2010)—— 93

Sarmassa offers slightly more opulence and a fuller palate of flavors (compared to the estate’s Cannubi cru) with lingering tones of dark chocolate, cinnamon, pressed flowers and forest fruit. The mouthfeel is soft and generous with round notes of tobacco and spice.——M.L.(4/1/2009)—— 93

Sarmassa comes together to form a beautifully balanced and generous whole. You’ll get intensity and power, backed by traditional aromas of black fruit, spice and pressed violets. The delivery is vertical and immediate yet the wine offers long staying power and determined persistency.——M.L.(4/1/2009)—— 94