The 2008 Barolo Vigneto Rocche is another stunningly beautiful wine. Layers of dark red fruit caress the palate in this seamless, totally refined, polished Barolo. Mint, spices, tar and licorice appear later, adding complexity and nuance. The oak is a little pronounced at this stage, ever so slightly, but I have little doubt it will come together. The pedigree of this site comes through most in the way the wine fleshes out on the finish. There is wonderful depth but no sense of heaviness. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028. Renato Corino's 2008s are highly representative of the vintage. Although the wines don't have the richness or depth they have in riper years, they impress for their vibrancy, length and fabulous overall balance. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411; Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887

The 2007 Barolo Vigneto Rocche strikes a beautiful balance between the juicy style of the vintage and the vibrant, well-delineated aromatics that are typical of this historic vineyard. Dark red fruit, licorice, minerals and French oak are some of the nuances that flow from the glass as the Rocche shows off its considerable pedigree. The Rocche comes across as more vibrant and ageworthy than the Rocche. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119