2006 Barolo Rocche

The 2006 Barolo Vigneto Rocche possesses marvelous richness in an expression of dark red fruit, smoke, tar and licorice. Here the percentage of new oak is higher (50%) than the Barolo, which comes through in the wine’s flavor profile and volume. A generous, harmonious finish rounds out this big, dramatic Barolo. The wine shut down quickly in the glass, and it is quite likely it will remain stubborn for a number of years. The pedigree here, however, is simply impossible to miss. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. Renato Corino did very well with his 2006 Barolos, and his 2007s, which I sampled from barrel, are equally promising. Like many of his neighbors, Corino experienced quite a bit of hail in Arborina, and opted to use the fruit he was able to harvest to reinforce the entry-level Barolo, a decision that yielded stupendous results. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

Deep red. Tighter on the nose than the normale, with blacker fruit aromas complicated by licorice, minerals and a whiff of oak. Plush and generous in the mouth, and sweeter than the nose suggests. The flavors of plum, black cherry and dark raspberry are framed but not overwhelmed by ripe tannins.