The 2005 Barolo Riserva Vecchie Vigne is the richest of these new offerings from Corino. Smoke, tar, licorice, dark cherries and sweet toasted oak sweep across the palate with gorgeous depth and persistence. Some of the wine’s overt oakiness recedes with air, although this remains a decidedly plush style of Barolo. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. Renato Corino did very well with his 2006 Barolos, and his 2007s, which I sampled from barrel, are equally promising. Like many of his neighbors, Corino experienced quite a bit of hail in Arborina, and opted to use the fruit he was able to harvest to reinforce the entry-level Barolo, a decision that yielded stupendous results. 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

Alluring for its ripe fruit, supple texture and complex flavors of plum, wild berry, leather and spices, this is approachable now with a little air and food. This is rich, yet bright, offering an undertow of mineral that emerges on the finish. Drink now through 2024. 116 cases made, 79 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

The 2004 Barolo Vecchie Vigne is made from Corino’s oldest plants in the Rocche and Roncaglie vineyards. This is a dense, powerful wine packed with ripe dark fruit. The layered quality of the vintage is in evidence, but Corino, like many producers in La Morra, dials up the oak with his most important wine, something which may offer a level of diminishing returns. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. Renato Corino is one of La Morra’s most gregarious producers. Though deeply influenced by his neighbor Elio Altare, Corino is one of the more experienced growers in La Morra and is really more of a transitional figure between Altare and the younger generation of producers. After dividing the family holdings with his brother Giuliano, Renato moved across the valley, where he has built a new home and cellar perched atop the Arborina vineyard. Over the years, Renato Corino’s wines have proven to age quite nicely and that should be the case with these wines as well. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411