Notes of ripe cherries and dried cranberries with ground spices and bark undertones. Full-bodied, firm and chewy with compact tannins and bright acidity. Dry and chalky finish. Try after 2026.

The Pietro Rinaldi 2013 Barolo walks a steady and direct line. This is a contained but complete Nebbiolo that exhibits good depth and persistence. The bouquet reveals tones of black cherry and dried blackberry with cola, licorice and forest floor. The value is not bad either, with 8,000 bottles produced.

Austere in character, this red displays more savory spice, leather and tobacco flavors than cherry or floral notes. Solidly built, with refined yet gripping tannins on the dry, minerally finish. A candidate for food and aging. Best from 2017 through 2028. 1,500 cases made, 600 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

The base 2009 Barolo opens with dark color followed by savory, almost spicy, tones of back fruit or prunes. There is ripeness here but the wine is well-structured and velvety in texture. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2024. Paolo Tenino and Monica Rinaldi Tenino run this 10-hectare estate with vineyards in Verduno for Barolo, Neive for Barbaresco and Madonna di Como for Dolcetto and Barbera. Importer: Alliance Beverage Distributing; Phoenix, AZ; tel. (602) 760-5500

A rich and spicy style, with hints of black pepper, mint, underbrush and cherry flavors. Dense yet well-integrated, featuring a lingering finish of tobacco and tar. Best from 2015 through 2030. 700 cases made, 400 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add