The 2005 Barolo Parafada is gorgeous in this vintage. The Parafada is the only Barolo here that sees French oak, and although the estate has lowered the percentage of new oak, the smaller barrels give this wine an explosive quality that is all its own. In 2005 the Parafada is all about textural richness rather than delineation, but it reveals an enveloping, sensual personality with attractive warmth that carries through all the way to the long, smooth finish. This beautifully balanced, sublime Barolo is another wonderful effort from the Massolino brothers. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. This is a beautiful set of wines from brothers Franco and Roberto Massolino. These Barolos offer gorgeous balance in the mid-weight style of the vintage. There will also be a 2005 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda, but that wine won’t be ready for several years. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799

Highly perfumed, with sweet strawberry and cherry aromas that follow through to a full body, with balanced, silky tannins and a pretty finish. Delicate yet structured. Best after 2012. 410 cases made, 120 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

A big wine, and mostly closed and/or showing toasted oak; all the fruit right now is in the finish, and it''s lovely.

Parafada offers a bouquet of prickly fruit such as wild berry, bramble and underbrush. You’ll also recognize pretty tones of white truffle, moist earth, new leather and coffee. The wine is bright but still raw in the mouth and ends with mineral notes, a blast of menthol and an interesting powdery texture.——M.L.(4/1/2009)—— 91