The 2014 Barolo Arione is a hearty and savory expression with a dark color and mid-weight appeal. The bouquet opens to aromas of blackberry and bitter cherry with spice, rusty nail, licorice and toasted almond. The wine offers a slightly gritty texture in terms of mouthfeel. The finish is lean and compact. The jury is out on where its future evolution will take it.

Leather, spice, licorice and tar flavors are the main themes, the sweet fruit followed by firm tannins as this builds in intensity to a long, lingering finish. Best from 2020 through 2033. 1,000 cases made, 300 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

The dense, finely woven texture sets the stage for cherry, currant, licorice and tar flavors. Verges on chewy, yet stays on course, with a vibrant, sweet fruit– and tobacco-tinged finish. Best from 2019 through 2033. 1,250 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

The 2011 Barolo Arione presents a classic profile of Nebbiolo (in a warm vintage) with dark fruit, black cherry, spice, autumnal tones and dark truffle. The bouquet doesn't show the depth or balsamic definition of cooler vintages. If offers a broader, thicker consistency instead. It shows an immediate style for near- and medium-term consumption.

The main theme of black currant gets support from tar, leather, tobacco, menthol, eucalyptus and spice flavors. The rich texture is matched by formidable tannins that will need time to integrate. Best from 2018 through 2032. 1,500 cases made, 250 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add