2006 Barolo Vigna Giachini

Revello’s 2006 Barolo Giachini emerges from the glass with dark, wild cherries, menthol, spices, violets, roses and minerals. This is a decidedly austere, almost classic Barolo from Revello, where the structural components seem to dominate over the fruit in the wine’s balance. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. Brothers Enzo and Carlo Revello have turned out a strong set of 2006 Barolos. Revello has dropped the percentage of new oak to 50% for their single-vineyard Barolos, with the exception of the Gattera, which is aged in a single 15-hectoliter barrel. 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-ruby color. More chocolate and coffee from the oak to go with aromas of black fruits and licorice. Then densely packed but a bit clenched, with the 50% new barrique element quite apparent today. Intriguing hint of marzipan. Less obviously sweet than the Gattera, and finishing with a stronger impression of oak tannins. There was a bit of hail in this vineyard in 2006.