2005 Barolo Enrico VI

Good medium red. The least fruity but the most complex on the nose and palate of these 2005s, with classic Barolo notes of camphor, cedar, tobacco and marzipan. Offers surprising volume and silkiness on entry, then comes across as initially sweet and lush in the middle before tightening up dramatically in the glass. The big, broad, dusty tannins give the wine a youthfully muscular quality, but the way the flavors expanded again on the very long finish suggests that this will make a classic bottle in about eight years.

The 2005 Barolo Enrico VI presents a deeply spiced, layered expression of Nebbiolo in its menthol spices, minerals and dark fruit, all of which are framed by firm, sturdy tannins. There is lovely density and richness to be found in the glass, and the wine continues to develop quite positively with air. The Enrico VI is a bigger, more structured Barolo than the Gattera, but the flavors are also a touch more advanced, and it remains an open question as to which wine will reach full maturity first. This is another impeccable, beautifully balanced wine from Cordero di Montezemolo. The Enrico VI is made from the Villero vineyard in Castiglione Falletto.

The 2005 Barolo Enrico VI presents a deeply spiced, layered expression of Nebbiolo in its menthol spices, minerals and dark fruit, all of which are framed by firm, sturdy tannins. There is lovely density and richness to be found in the glass, and the wine continues to develop quite positively with air. The Enrico VI is a bigger, more structured Barolo than the Gattera, but the flavors are also a touch more advanced, and it remains an open question as to which wine will reach full maturity first. This is another impeccable, beautifully balanced wine from Cordero di Montezemolo. The Enrico VI is made from the Villero vineyard in Castiglione Falletto. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. This is a lovely set of wines from Cordero di Montezemolo, one of the most picturesque properties in all of Piedmont. The 2005 Barolos seem to be better balanced than in the past with a more enlightened use of French oak. Various American importers, including: Omniwines Distributing Co. LLC, Linden Hill, NY; tel. (718) 353-8700, Wine WareHouse, City of Commerce, CA; tel. (323) 724-1700; Bertin Henri Selections, 10900 NW 21st St, Unit 180, Doral, FL 33172; tel: (305) 343-4054