Coppo’s 2005 Barolo (from vines in Castiglione Falletto) is an attractive mid-weight wine laced with menthol, plums, spices and dried roses. This beautifully balanced, well-spoken wine offers terrific balance in a soft, sensual expression of Nebbiolo. Today the tannins are remarkably fine which gives the wine a sense of accessibility that is likely to disappear as the wine closes up in the bottle. Coppo gave the Barolo 30 months in medium-sized 25 hectoliter casks. The Barolo is further proof that simpler is better at Coppo. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. Coppo – one of Piedmont’s historic properties – makes a wide range of wines but they seem to do best when they kept things simple, as some of the wines remain excessively oaked and heavy. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

We were very impressed with this wine: its luminous color, luscious mouthfeel and intense aromas create an irresistible package. Penetrating flavors of forest berry, vanilla, violets and licorice suggest a pairing with roast quail or duck. The wine ends with food-friendly acidity and firm tannins.——M.L.(4/1/2009)—— 92