2009 Barolo Bric del Fiasc

Good dark red. Bright aromas of redcurrant, licorice and wild herbs are joined by a distinctly green, peppery quality. Sweet on entry, then rather tight in the middle, showing only moderate flesh and texture. Today the tannins come across as a bit dry, suggesting a hot, quick-ripening year.

Deep ruby. Delicately fragrant, towards floral. Not a lot of flesh within the fine tannic structure. Definitely on the austere side and yet with a driving power. Very dry but there's freshness at the end. Very difficult to assess. (JH)

Commune of Castiglione Falletto. Almost opaque ruby. A little dumb on the nose. Full bodied and quite rich in fruit, and with rich tannins. Lacks a little finesse, or just bottle age. (WS)