2001 Barolo

This producer’s normale is one of the best-kept secrets in the region. It is made from the wine that is leftover after the casks used for the single-vineyard Barolos have been filled up, along with fruit from vines between 15-25 years in all four of the estate’s vineyards. Brovia’s dark red 2001 Barolo is a fairly approachable wine, with a floral, spiced nose and attractive sweet dark fruit on a medium-bodied, classic frame. In 2001 there is more young-vine fruit in the normale than has been the case in other recent vintages and therefore it doesn’t quite have the complexity and depth of the finest vintages of this wine. It should offer its best drinking to age 15. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2016. Importer: Neal Rosenthal, New York, NY; tel. (212) 249-6650

Dark red. The Barolo is a fairly approachable wine, with a floral, spiced nose and attractive sweet dark fruit on a medium-bodied classic frame. In 2001 there is more young-vine fruit in the normale than has been the case in other recent vintages (see 1998 below) and therefore it doesn't quite have the complexity and depth of the finest vintages of this wine. It should offer its best drinking to age 15.

Good full red. Pure aromas of dark berries, minerals, spices, tobacco and menthol. Sweet and thick but with good spine. Dry but rich flavors of strawberry, mocha and herbs. Finishes with dusty tannins and very good length. A very harmonious blend.