2006 Barolo Castelletto

The 2006 Barolo Castelletto is quite a bit firmer than the 2007. Dusty red cherries, herbs, leather and licorice come together nicely in this mid-weight, promising Barolo. The finish is long, with slightly ethereal, fleeting nuances that add complexity. The vines are only seven years old, so there is every reason to believe future wines will be even better. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2024. As is often the case, Manzone is one of the producers who chooses to bottle his Baroli on the late side. I tasted the 2007s from barrel and also had the opportunity to revisit the 2006s from bottle. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; tel. (415) 492-9411; Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; tel. (630) 422-1119

The 2006 Barolo Castelletto reveals gorgeous purity on its dark red fruit, spices and flowers, showing lovely palate presence and gorgeous harmony. Today, this looks to be a relatively accessible Barolo from the village of Monforte. Manzone aged the Castelletto in 35-hectoliter barrels.

Deep red. Musky strawberry and spices dominate the nose. Lush, sweet and large-scaled; enters the mouth with terrific volume and an almost soft impression but then turns much firmer and juicier toward the back, with sound acidity making itself felt. Really coats the palate on the aftertaste, finishing seamless, a bit warm and very long. Incidentally, Manzone does a fairly long fermentation with a lot of pumpovers in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks; he does not use rotofermenters.