2010 Brovia Barolo Garblet Sue

Castiglione Falletto. Mid ruby beginning to show some development. A little more accessible on the nose than the Ca Mia. Iron, black tea leaves, cherry and orange. Classic and elegant, but backward and tight on the finish. Must be a warmer vineyard, as the acidity is pretty much integrated. (WS)

Firm tannins support a core of bright red fruit, freshly cut flowers and crushed rocks in the 2010 Barolo Garblèt Sue’. Today some of the ferrous notes typical of this site are less obvious, as the fruit is incredibly rich and intense. Over time, though, it is the wine's pure energy that stands out most, another typical Garblèt Sue’ characteristic. This is one of the more polished vintages of the Garblèt Sue’ I can remember tasting. Iron, smoke, dark red fruit and a host of ferrous notes round out the huge, explosive finish.

Good medium red. Very fresh, nobly rustic aromas of red raspberry, medicinal cherry, marzipan, tobacco, menthol and blood orange. Large-scaled and concentrated, with terrific sappy energy and tension to the powerful red cherry and menthol flavors. Not a particularly elegant style but the wine's huge, firm tannins are nicely supported by its strong fruit. With its impressive spine and superb length, this wine should evolve positively for two or three decades. Cristina Brovia noted that the tannins in 2010 are sweeter and less aggressive than those of the classic 1996 vintage.