2003 Barolo San Rocco

The Barolo San Rocco has typically been my favorite wine in the line-up and the 2003 is another winner. Made in a full-bodied, powerful style, it reveals an exciting array of dark cherries, violets, licorice, menthol and smoke, with plenty of depth as well as richness to balance its structural components. A lingering note of sweetness defines the fin ish of this outstanding Barolo, whichis one of the more successful wines of the vintage.

The Barolo San Rocco has typically been my favorite wine in the line-up and the 2003 is another winner. Made in a full-bodied, powerful style, it reveals an exciting array of dark cherries, violets, licorice, menthol and smoke, with plenty of depth as well as richness to balance its structural components. A lingering note of sweetness defines the finish of this outstanding Barolo, which is one of the more successful wines of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. Azelia remains a great source for relatively well-priced Barolos. In particular, the San Rocco, from a vineyard in Serralunga, is often one of the region’s top bottlings as it is again in 2003. Proprietor Luigi Scavino has a new Barolo this year, made from the Margheria vineyard, also in Serrlaunga. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411