2001 Barolo Vigna Gattera

The 2001 Barolo Gattera comes across as big, rich and imposing. Dark red cherries, spices and plums are all supported by firm, insistent tannins. There is no danger of the Gattera going over the hill anytime soon. It is beautiful today and should remain highly attractive for a number of years. This is the first vintage the Gattera was aged in cask rather than smaller French oak barrels, as is the norm here. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887

Revello's 2001 Barolo Gattera, a richly saturated ruby it not terribly expressive on the nose at this stage although it is more open on the palate, Dark and backward in its personality, it shows generous amounts of massive fruit and tons of oak. While it may eventually merit a higher score, today it is tough to fully evaluate.

Deep red. Complex, scented nose combines strawberry, cherry, marzipan, flowers, spices, black pepper and nutty oak. Suave, dense and sweet, with the wine's glyceral texture leavened by a peppery quality. Nicely balanced and long, finishing with fine, building tannins.