2003 Barolo Bricco Rocche Prapo

Rather too obvious oak on the nose. Good fruity, very modern attack on the palate, however, without painful tannins. Nice zesty complete wine with a very zippy finish. Good, stylish if atypical stuff. Shame about the nose. (JR)

The estate's medium-bodied 2003 Barolo Prapò, from a vineyard in Serralunga, offers candied plums, licorice, baking spices and dark fruit with outstanding length. this poised, pretty Barolo needs another year or two to integrate its tannins and should drink well to at least age 15.

The estate’s medium-bodied 2003 Barolo Prapo, from a vineyard in Serralunga, offers candied plums, licorice, baking spices and dark fruit with outstanding length. This poised, pretty Barolo needs another year or two to integrate its tannins and should drink well to at least age 15. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2018. For the most part, this is a strong set of new wines from Ceretto. The 2004 single-vineyard Barbarescos are both outstanding and the Barolo selections aren’t too far behind. Unfortunately there is no Barolo Bricco Rocche in 2003. The wines still show a generous use of oak, but when vintage conditions are favorable, the wines can be beautiful, as the 2004 Barbarescos attest. My one criticism is of the entry-level wines. The Barbaresco Asij and Barolo Zonchera are both disappointing relative to best wines at this level. Ceretto certainly has the resources to do better. Importer: Moet Hennessy USA, New York, NY; tel. (212) 251-8200