Ceretto’s 2001 Barolo Brunate is a gorgeous wine that shows a rich nose of spices, minerals, licorice and tar followed by flavors of cherries in liqueur. Dense and structured on the palate with a refreshing finish, the Brunate is the roundest of three single-vineyard Barolos. Aged in barriques, of which 30% are new, 30% one year old, and 40% two years old, its anticipated maturity is 2008-2021. Importer: Moet Hennessy USA, New York, NY; tel. (212) 251-8200

The 2001 Barolo Brunate is a beautiful wine. Sweet dried cherries, flowers, tobacco and licorice are some of the nuances that emerge from the glass. Delicate floral and spiced notes continue to develop as the wine sits in the glass. The 2001 is in a beautiful place right now, as all of the elements are very nicely balanced. I don’t see a ton of further upside in holding the 2001 much longer. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. Ceretto’s 2001s have fared quite a bit better than the 2000s. I remember tasting the 2001s when they were about to be released. At the time the wines were quite sleek and oaky. Since then, the estate has backed off considerably on the new French oak, as I detail in my article on the 2008 Baroli, also in Issue 200. Importer: Wilson Daniels Ltd, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661

A wine with plum, meat and chocolate aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, with big yet ripe tannins and a round, ultrarich finish. This has loads of decadent and wild fruit. This is impressive and generous. Best after 2008. 2,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

An intriguing wine, with aromas of smoke, cherries, dried spices and root beer. On the palate, a shroud of cedar, vanilla and spice surrounds a bright, flavorful core of cherries that should emerge in time. Finishes with mouthwatering fruit along supple tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2008–2018. Imported by Moet Hennessy USA. ——J.C.(3/1/2006)—— 92