2001 Barolo Bussia Riserva 7 Anni

Moderately saturated medium red. Knockout ineffable nose combines all the major Barolo food groups: strawberry, truffle, musky underbrush, dried flowers, licorice, tar. Enters the mouth like silk, then shows outstanding depth, suavity and balance in the middle palate. The 2000 may be more every bit as powerful but this is finer and younger. The very long, slow-building, classically dry finish saturates the palate with a fine dusting of tannins and a late suggestion of nutty oak. Valentino Migliorini, owner of Rocche dei Manzoni, purchased this superb property in 1999 from the family of Riccardo Fenocchio, who had made many great Barolos here prior to retiring in the early '90s.

The 2001 Barolo Bussia Riserva 7 Anni is an utterly engaging, sensual wine. The aromatics alone are worth the price of admission. A kaleidoscope of dried roses, menthol, licorice, tar, scorched earth and roasted coffee beans waft out of the glass as this gorgeous wine reveals the breadth of its expression. A striking, mysterious wine, it constantly changes in the glass, with mocha, dried figs and layers of dark fruit that continue to emerge in a display of superb elegance. The tannins are sweet, ripe and beautifully integrated into the wine's textural framework. This Barolo will benefit from another few years of bottle age but its potential is amply evident today. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2025. Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate # 174 Dec 2007

The 2001 Barolo Bussia Riserva 7 Anni is an utterly engaging, sensual wine. The aromatics alone are worth the price of admission. A kaleidoscope of dried roses, menthol, licorice, tar, scorched earth and roasted coffee beans waft out of the glass as this gorgeous wine reveals the breadth of its expression. A striking, mysterious wine, it constantly changes in the glass, with mocha, dried figs and layers of dark fruit that continue to emerge in a display of superb elegance. The tannins are sweet, ripe and beautifully integrated into the wine's textural framework. This Barolo will benefit from another few years of bottle age but its potential is amply evident today. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2025. Dec 2007, www.robertparker.com