The 2003 Barolo offers remarkable quality at this level. It is a super-refined, elegant wine with ripe dark cherry, spice, rose and menthol notes that emerge from the glass. Sweet and ample on the palate, this lovely Barolo offers outstanding length as well as a surprising level of freshness for the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015. Einaudi has produced an especially strong set of Barolos in 2003. Proprietor Matteo Sardagna told me he wasn't convinced about the quality of the vintage at the outset so he decided to use lower percentage of new oak than normal. That turns out to have been a very wise decision, as these wines offer superb richness as well as detail, the latter of which was particularly hard to come by in 2003. Readers should also consider the estate's Dolcettos, which are among the most unique wines being made in the region. The Vigna Tecc is particularly noteworthy, and is now labeled under the new Dogliani designation. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

Very chewy, with lots of berry and coffee character. Full-bodied, with dusty tannins and a long finish. Needs time in the bottle to mellow. Best after 2010. 800 cases made, 450 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add