Wood and oak tones in the 2012 Barolo Serra are very strong. Will this wine ever fully integrate? The jury is still out. Barbecue spice, teriyaki and camphor ash rise from the heavy and deeply emboldened bouquet. The Serra vineyard is located in Serralunga d'Alba, known for its fruit's power and natural richness.

All of the Barolos from the 2011 vintage appear to be distinguished by pretty, mineral notes that I very much appreciate. The 2011 Barolo Serra is particularly bold and brawny, with black fruit, Indian spice and campfire ash followed by crushed stone and pencil shaving.

The 2009 Barolo Serre is a darkly concentrated, -modern- rendition of Barolo that shows deep richness and plush texture in the mouth. The inside firmness of the wine and its elegant tannic structure do a great job of supporting black fruit, spice, leather and moist pipe tobacco. The wine shows a nice evolution in the glass and can be enjoyed in the near-term. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022. Stefano Gagliardo likes to note that his father, who didn-t drink alcohol, learned to love wine thanks to his mother who came from a family with a long line of winemakers. What became a common love for wine soon blossomed into a winery with 20 hectares of vines spread over 16 sites including La Morra, Barolo, Monforte d-Alba and Serralunga d-Alba. Importer: Enotec Imports Inc., Denver, CO; tel. (303) 322-3447

The 2007 Barolo Serre is richer, deeper and more powerful than the regular bottling. The Serre impresses for its authoritative, masculine personality and the sheer depth of its fruit. This isn’t the most subtle wine of the vintage, but it makes up for that with its terrific textural richness and engaging personality. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Importer: Enotec Imports, Denver, CO; tel. (303) 322-3447.

The 2006 Barolo Serre is a touch deeper and richer than the straight Barolo, but the differences are rather small. The Serre possesses more vibrancy in its fruit, along with firmer tannins that will require a bit more patience. This, too, is a sleek, elegant Barolo with terrific persistence and commendable overall balance. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Importer: Enotec Imports, Denver, CO; tel. (303) 322-3447