2005 Barolo Ornato

Good medium-deep red. Sweet but subdued aromas of redcurrant, mocha, chestnut and nutty oak. Big, rich, broad and sweet; in fact almost creamy for the year. Conveys an impression of velvety volume without excess weight. Here the big tannins come later and coat the entire mouth. Seems less sweet than the 2005 Il Bricco. A big boy, but does it have the lift of the Barbaresco? Today this seems slightly dulled by its oak element, but there's no denying its strength of material.

The 2005 Barolo Ornato shows outstanding depth and complexity in its note of licorice, iron, plums, prunes, French oak and minerals. Although the Ornato possesses more richness and roundness than the Barolo, it too, is lighter in body than has been the case in the past vintages, which renders the wine quite classic in feel. With a touch more depth the 2005 Ornato might very well merit a higher score. Still, it is a lovely effort.

The 2005 Barolo Ornato shows outstanding depth and complexity in its note of licorice, iron, plums, prunes, French oak and minerals. Although the Ornato possesses more richness and roundness than the Barolo, it, too, is lighter in body than has been the case in the past vintages, which renders the wine quite classic in feel. With a touch more depth the 2005 Ornato might very well merit a higher score. Still, it is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Proprietor Pio Boffa clearly has a huge passion for wine. Then again, he owns some of the finest vineyards in the region. My recent tasting with Boffa included a number of older Barolos, all of which had developed very nicely. Importer: Maison Marques & Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000