Piedmont - Vinrare - Buy Fine Wine Online - Fine Wines International

1993 Calissano, Luigi Barolo Bricci Mira Langa (750ml)

$82.00

1993 Ceretto Barolo Bricco Roche, Brunate (750ml)

$88.00

Robert Parker 87

The best of the 1993 Ceretto offerings, this Barolo is soft, supple, and Burgundian-like in its complex aromas of herbs, sweet dried cherry fruit, and underbrush. Medium-bodied and expansive, with copious amounts of sweet fruit, this is a delicious, precocious, nearly mature Barolo for consuming over the next 3-4 years.

Wine Spectator 88

An intense style with rich, concentrated fruit, but the tannins are drying at this stage. Offers nice flavors of cherry, spice, chestnut, chocolate and bark, and it has good length on the finish. Should come into balance with time, as the tannins soften.

1997 Corino Barolo Vigna Vecchia (750ml)

$163.00

Robert Parker 95

The explosive Barolo Giachini Veccia Vigne (200 cases) is similarly-styled, with additional levels of glycerin and flavor. The plum/garnet color is accompanied by an awesomely layered texture, great purity, abundant quantities of fruit, and complex aromatics as well as flavors.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 94

Full deep red. Superrich, profound aromas of cherry/berry liqueur, camphor and nutmeg. Wonderfully rich and deep for the vintage, with compelling sweetness and inner-mouth floral perfume. Solid yet vibrant and light on its feet. Finishes with dusty but very even tannins and superb persistence. A star of the vintage.

Wine Spectator 93

A fruit-forward Barolo, with plenty there. Well-balanced. Loads of cinnamon and red fruits on the nose. Full-bodied, with super fine tannins and a super long finish. Best after 2006.

1997 Giacosa Barbaresco Rabaja (750ml)

$285.00

Robert Parker 96

Giacosa's 1997 Barbaresco Rabaja boasts a fabulous nose of caramel, soy, herbs, black cherries, plums, and kirsch. Dense and full-bodied, with a spectacular, silky texture, gobs of glycerin, and a layered, multidimensional palate, it is immensely satisfying from both hedonistic and intellectual perspectives. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2020.

1997 Sandrone Barolo Cannubi Boschis (750ml-4pk)

$915.00

Robert Parker 96

The prodigious 1997 Barolo Cannubi Boschis possesses a dark saturated garnet color. The sweet nose of black fruits, minerals, scorched earth, smoke, dried herbs, and wet stones is stunning. Amazingly concentrated, with tremendous unctuousity yet superb delineation, this large-scaled as well as elegant Barolo possesses fabulous extract as well as a multidimensional mid-palate and finish. It is an amazing effort!

1997 Sandrone Barolo Cannubi Boschis (750ml-6pk)

$1,365.00

Robert Parker 96

The prodigious 1997 Barolo Cannubi Boschis possesses a dark saturated garnet color. The sweet nose of black fruits, minerals, scorched earth, smoke, dried herbs, and wet stones is stunning. Amazingly concentrated, with tremendous unctuousity yet superb delineation, this large-scaled as well as elegant Barolo possesses fabulous extract as well as a multidimensional mid-palate and finish. It is an amazing effort!

1997 Sandrone Barolo Cannubi Boschis (750ml)

$235.00

Robert Parker 96

The prodigious 1997 Barolo Cannubi Boschis possesses a dark saturated garnet color. The sweet nose of black fruits, minerals, scorched earth, smoke, dried herbs, and wet stones is stunning. Amazingly concentrated, with tremendous unctuousity yet superb delineation, this large-scaled as well as elegant Barolo possesses fabulous extract as well as a multidimensional mid-palate and finish. It is an amazing effort!

1998 Altare Barolo Arborina (750ml)

$136.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92

Good full red. Red cherry, minerals and a hint of goat cheese on the vinous nose. Cool and lively in the mouth, with a note of candied red fruits. Not hugely deep for an Altare Barolo, but vinous and penetrating. Quite classy for a wine from a vineyard that Altare has always described as premier rather than grand cru quality.

Robert Parker 91-93

The 1998 Barolo Arborina boasts a glorious perfume of overripe black cherries intertwined with Asian spices, new oak, and flowers. Layered, gorgeously concentrated, superbly balanced and seamless, with fabulous fruit, good underlying tannin, and a long, 40+ second finish, it can be drunk now and over the next 15 years.

Wine Spectator 93

Bright yet subtle aromas of plums, strawberries and raspberries. Full-bodied, with a solid core of ripe tannins and a long, long finish. A finely chiseled wine with great precision.

1998 Sandrone Barolo Cannubi Boschis (750ml-4pk)

$650.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92-95

Deep Ruby-red. Redcurrant liquer, roast coffee, minerals,smoked meat and smoky oak on the nose. Wonderfully sweet and expansiveyet with great reserves of structure. Firm acidity keeps the flavors bright and juicy. A suggestion of medicinal austerity augurs well for the future of this Barolo.

Wine Spectator 95

It's harmonious and refined, yet powerful and rich. It has glorious aromas of roses, berries and minerals and is full-bodied, with pinpointed, silky tannins and a long finish. This is wonderfully crafted and classy. From my early tastings, I like the 1998 Cannubi Boschis better than the 1997 (93 points) and '96 (94), but time will tell. It may rival the amazing '90 (97) and '89 (95), which I tasted two years ago and were both going very strong. Best after 2006.

Robert Parker 94-96

The deep ruby/purple-colored 1998 Barolo Cannubi Boschis boasts a spectacular bouquet of mineral-infused black cherry liqueur, new saddle leather, and pain grille. This powerful, ripe 1998 offers full-bodied flavors, silky tannin, low acidity, gorgeous levels of glycerin, and a creamy mouthful of complex, layered, superbly pure Nebbiolo fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020.

1998 Sandrone Barolo Cannubi Boschis (750ml-6pk)

$975.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92-95

Deep Ruby-red. Redcurrant liquer, roast coffee, minerals,smoked meat and smoky oak on the nose. Wonderfully sweet and expansiveyet with great reserves of structure. Firm acidity keeps the flavors bright and juicy. A suggestion of medicinal austerity augurs well for the future of this Barolo.

Wine Spectator 95

It's harmonious and refined, yet powerful and rich. It has glorious aromas of roses, berries and minerals and is full-bodied, with pinpointed, silky tannins and a long finish. This is wonderfully crafted and classy. From my early tastings, I like the 1998 Cannubi Boschis better than the 1997 (93 points) and '96 (94), but time will tell. It may rival the amazing '90 (97) and '89 (95), which I tasted two years ago and were both going very strong. Best after 2006.

Robert Parker 94-96

The deep ruby/purple-colored 1998 Barolo Cannubi Boschis boasts a spectacular bouquet of mineral-infused black cherry liqueur, new saddle leather, and pain grille. This powerful, ripe 1998 offers full-bodied flavors, silky tannin, low acidity, gorgeous levels of glycerin, and a creamy mouthful of complex, layered, superbly pure Nebbiolo fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020.

1998 Sandrone Barolo Cannubi Boschis (750ml)

$163.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92-95

Deep Ruby-red. Redcurrant liquer, roast coffee, minerals,smoked meat and smoky oak on the nose. Wonderfully sweet and expansiveyet with great reserves of structure. Firm acidity keeps the flavors bright and juicy. A suggestion of medicinal austerity augurs well for the future of this Barolo.

Wine Spectator 95

It's harmonious and refined, yet powerful and rich. It has glorious aromas of roses, berries and minerals and is full-bodied, with pinpointed, silky tannins and a long finish. This is wonderfully crafted and classy. From my early tastings, I like the 1998 Cannubi Boschis better than the 1997 (93 points) and '96 (94), but time will tell. It may rival the amazing '90 (97) and '89 (95), which I tasted two years ago and were both going very strong. Best after 2006.

Robert Parker 94-96

The deep ruby/purple-colored 1998 Barolo Cannubi Boschis boasts a spectacular bouquet of mineral-infused black cherry liqueur, new saddle leather, and pain grille. This powerful, ripe 1998 offers full-bodied flavors, silky tannin, low acidity, gorgeous levels of glycerin, and a creamy mouthful of complex, layered, superbly pure Nebbiolo fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020.

1998 Sandrone La Vigne (750ml-4pk)

$720.00

Robert Parker 95

The multidimensional 1998 Barolo La Vigne may be even better than its 1997 counterpart. It possesses huge layers of black cherry fruit infused with rose petals, tar, balsam wood, mineral, and subtle new oak notes. Full-bodied, awesomely concentrated, and extraordinarily pure, this exquisite, youthful Barolo will be at its prime bewteen 2004-2020.

Wine Spectator 93

Le Vigne is a blend of four different vineyards, and the Sandrone brothers fine-tune it to show the vintage at its best. The 1998 shows complex aromas of plums, berries, leather and hints of dried cheese that follow to flowers. It's full-bodied, with polished and refined tannins and a silky, fruity finish. Best after 2005.

1998 Sandrone La Vigne (750ml)

$180.00

Robert Parker 95

The multidimensional 1998 Barolo La Vigne may be even better than its 1997 counterpart. It possesses huge layers of black cherry fruit infused with rose petals, tar, balsam wood, mineral, and subtle new oak notes. Full-bodied, awesomely concentrated, and extraordinarily pure, this exquisite, youthful Barolo will be at its prime bewteen 2004-2020.

Wine Spectator 93

Le Vigne is a blend of four different vineyards, and the Sandrone brothers fine-tune it to show the vintage at its best. The 1998 shows complex aromas of plums, berries, leather and hints of dried cheese that follow to flowers. It's full-bodied, with polished and refined tannins and a silky, fruity finish. Best after 2005.

1999 Contratto Barolo Cerequio (750ml)

$65.00

FineWine International

Medium-bodied, with aromas of rose petals, exotic spices, and dried herbs. On the palate the flavors are subtle with hints of blackberry, violets and classic Nebbiolo tar. The is beautifully balanced and the tannins fine grained and well intergrated into the wine. Give it an hour or two to open up after decanting and you won't be disappointed. A classically styled Barolo.

Gambero Rosso 3 Glasses

Wine- Maker Notes

Single vineyard, 100% Nebbiolo from one of the finest and most exclusive Barolo's sub-zones. Nearby Cerequio producers include Angelo Gaja, Michele Chiarlo and Roberto Voerzio. The Nebbiolo vines are 25 to 45 years old. The vineyard lies at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level and is rich in lime and clay. After harvesting the grapes are fermented using the "floating hat" maceration technique for 10 - 15 days. Malolactic fermentation takes place and the wine is aged in small barrique barrels for a period of 18 months. Refining in the bottle for another 12 months.

1999 Gaja Barbaresco Sori Tildin (750ml)

$380.00

Robert Parker 93

The 1999 Sori Tildin, is notably more powerful on the nose and more complex as well, with balsamic and resin sensations to accompany the mocha and vanilla. Rounder and ampler than Costa Russi, it is concentrated, sumptuous, and sensual as well as long and fresh on the development and finish.

1999 Sandrone La Vigne (750ml)

$163.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 91+

Good deep red. Brambly red fruits , spices, minerals and underbrush on the nose. Surprisingly sweet for this wine but still tightly wound, with a firm spine of acidity. Much less pliant today than the '98 version, with the bright, spicy flavors of toasty red fruits still rather unforthcoming. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and a firmer impression than the 2000.

Robert Parker 94

I generally prefer Le Vigne, which uses the grapes of a variety of sites in the eastern part of the zone, and the 1999 Barolo Le Vigne is no exception. These soils give a more concentrated Nebbiolo, and the powerfully smoky, tarry, and floral aromas of this Barolo are echoed on the palate, with large-framed, deep, and potent flavors, very mineral and with excellent spice. It is superior in density, texture, and drive. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2022.

Wine Spectator 91

Very bright aromas of Christmas cake, dried fruit and spices. Full-bodied, with big, silky tannins and plenty of ripe fruit. Long, long finish. Hints of coffee and dried fruits. A blend of various vineyards.

1999 Sandrone La Vigne (750ml-4pk)

$650.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 91+

Good deep red. Brambly red fruits , spices, minerals and underbrush on the nose. Surprisingly sweet for this wine but still tightly wound, with a firm spine of acidity. Much less pliant today than the '98 version, with the bright, spicy flavors of toasty red fruits still rather unforthcoming. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and a firmer impression than the 2000.

Robert Parker 94

I generally prefer Le Vigne, which uses the grapes of a variety of sites in the eastern part of the zone, and the 1999 Barolo Le Vigne is no exception. These soils give a more concentrated Nebbiolo, and the powerfully smoky, tarry, and floral aromas of this Barolo are echoed on the palate, with large-framed, deep, and potent flavors, very mineral and with excellent spice. It is superior in density, texture, and drive. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2022.

Wine Spectator 91

Very bright aromas of Christmas cake, dried fruit and spices. Full-bodied, with big, silky tannins and plenty of ripe fruit. Long, long finish. Hints of coffee and dried fruits. A blend of various vineyards.

1999 Virna Barolo Cannubi Boschis Riserva (750ml)

$120.00

Wine Spectator 91

Blackberry, chocolate and cedar aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate with silky tannins and a ripe, fruity aftertaste. Best after 2007. 550 cases made

1999 Virna Barolo Preda Sarmassa Riserva (750ml)

$98.00

Wine Spectator 91

Blackberry, chocolate and cedar aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate with silky tannins and a ripe, fruity aftertaste. Best after 2007. 550 cases made.

2000 Gaja Barbaresco Sori Tildin (750ml)

$430.00

Robert Parker 93

The 2000 Sori Tildin is larger in dimension than the Costa Russi but the major difference is in the nose, riper, warmer, and with more chocolate and licorice as well. The roundness and suppleness, the richness of the extraction, and the ampleness of the finish are also superior to Costa Russi.

Wine Spectator 96

Amazing aromas of plums, strawberries, and minerals follow through to a full-bodied palate, with ultraripe tannins and a long, mineral and blackberry aftertaste. Gorgeous. So fresh and structured. Best after 2010. 1,050 cases made. -JS

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 93

Fresh, deep red. Superripe aromas of raspberry, currant, plum and nutty oak; showing more primary fruit today than the Costa Russi. Then sweeter and fruitier in the mouth, with a perfumed quality and lovely balancing acids. Dense and rich. The tannins are quite smooth, and the finish shows excellent building persistence and grip.

Gambero Rosso 3 Glasses

Sori Tilden shows a nose of rare complexity and finesse, allowing tobacco leaf, chocolate and leather to peek through. The beefy palate is even, poised and beautifully mirrors the nose.

2000 Gaja Barbaresco Sori San Lorenzo (750ml)

$435.00

Wine Spectator 97

Serious dark color, with meaty, earthy aromas that blow off to ultraripe and exotic fruit. Fresh truffles and porcini. Almost Port-like in the end. Full-bodied, with masses of velvety tannins and a long, long, caressing finish. Solid. This was the first of Gaja's single-vineyard Barbarescos to be vinified separately, in 1967. Best after 2010. 970 cases made. �JS

Robert Parker 94

The 2000 Sori San Lorenzo is complex in aroma with the notes of anise, herbs, and spice completely integrated with the fruit, the fullness and dimension of the flavors are perceptible, the finish long and more authoritative.- Daniel Thomases

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92

Deep red-ruby. Sweet aromas of plum, spun sugar and nutty oak. Rich, round and suave, but kept firm by an edge of acidity. Less expressive today than the Sori Tildin, and more dominated by its structure. Finishes firmly tannic and uncompromisingly dry. Shows the serious side of vintage 2000. It's tempting to say that Gaja's ability to add a bit of barbera to his nebbiolo crus has resulted in fresher wines in 2000.

Gambero Rosso 2*

2000 Gaja Cabernet Darmagi (750ml)

$220.00

Wine Spectator 90

Aromas and flavors of berries, earth and lightly toasted oak follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a long finish. Needs some bottle age to come together. Pure Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2006. 1,000 cases made. �JS

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 90

Saturated ruby. Bright aromas of blackcurrant, licorice and violet. Very rich, lush and chocolatey; seamless and mouthfilling. This shows the fleshiness of the vintage.

2000 Giacosa Barolo Falletto (750ml)

$174.00

Robert Parker 93

2000 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto Color is a dark burnished ruby. Notes of mint, eucalyptus, flowers and tar appear on the nose. This is a wine of wonderful length and persistence that boasts a rich, soft palate of ripe to over-ripe fruit and a very satisfying finish. A very accessible Barolo. 93 points/drink now. Antonio Galloni Giacosa�s Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto is made from four parcels in the Falletto vineyard where the age of the vines ranges from 30 to 45 years. This was a great opportunity to taste the 2000 and 2001 side by side. In particular, the 2001 is without a doubt one of the best wines I have tasted from this extraordinary vintage so far.

2000 Oberto Barolo Rocche (750ml)

$82.00

FineWine International

Oberti has produced an outstanding Barolo Rocche in the acclaimed 2000 vintage. But this should not be surprising since he has been producing outstanding Barolo from the Rocche vineyard for a number of years now. As Gambero Rosso has noted what is impressive about Oberti's Barolo Rocche is its "austere elegance and meansured finesse". The classic nebbiolo flavors and aromas are there in perfect balance. This is a wine to cellar but it is very seductive now.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 91

Full ruby-red. Musky aromas of dark berries, maraschino cherry and nutty oak. Lush, sweet and deep; more exotic than the Albarella, with liqueur-like flavors of berries and black cherry. Quite large-scaled for a Barolo from La Morra. Really saturates the palate with fruit. Finishes long and rich, with big, ripe tannins.

Robert Parker 92

The 2000 Barolo Rocche does full justice to one of La Morra�s most important vineyards. Powerful and balsamic notes of red fruit, anise, and roses give way to ripe, dense, and velvety flavors, more concentrated than those of the Barolo Arbarella but suppler, smoother, and more sensual as well. The wine should easily last another dozen years.Daniel Thomases

2000 Virna Barolo Cannubi Boschis Riserva (750ml)

$109.00

Wine Spectator 92

Big and rich with raisin, spice and berry aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long finish. Tight. Powerful. Best after 2008. 500 cases made.

2000 Virna Barolo Preda Sarmassa Riserva (750ml)

$82.00

Wine Spectator 91

Loads of plummy, almost pruny character with hints of licorice. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long finish. Juicy wine. Needs time. Best after 2008. 600 cases made.

2001 Giacosa Barbaresco Asili (750ml)

$215.00

Robert Parker 95

What a pleasure it was to taste the 2001 Barbaresco Asili. The nose is expressive, with well-delineated notes of spices, flowers and tar that meld seamlessly onto an irresistible palate packed with vibrant layers of sweet ripe fruit with an open, generous personality. This wine is showing a wonderful sense of inner purity right now and will be even better in a few years, although its qualities are abundantly apparent even at this early stage. A great effort. An Azienda Agricola Falletto di Bruno Giacosa bottling.

2001 Rinaldi Barolo Brunate (750ml)

$130.00

Antonio Galloni 93

Rinaldi has produced a gem in his 2001 Barolo Brunate / Le Coste, which announces itself with an explosive nose of violets, spices, licorice, tar and sweet fruit. On the palate it offers much length and elegance in its layers of fruit, with the distinctly balsamic quality that is the hallmark of the wines from the Brunate cru. Those who appreciate traditionally made wines will not want to miss this outstanding effort, which is sure to age gracefully for several decades. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2031

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92-95

Clear medium red. Perfumed, liqueur-like aromas of redcurrant, brown spices and rose petal. Highly concentrated, with strong fruit but also a lovely light touch, thanks to strong acidity. Complex inner-mouth flavors of flowers, tobacco and mocha. Finishes with firm tannins and lovely grip. Offers very strong potential.

2003 Braida Barbera Al Suma (750ml)

$103.00

Robert Parker 90

'2003 Barbera d'Asti ai Suma. Fully saturated violet. The 2003 is a touch more complex, with a huge nose of ripe fruit, chocolate, spices, licorice and toasted oak followed by masses of concentrated over-ripe dark fruit, in a full-bodied style that offers much persistence on the palate and finishes with considerable length." Antonio Galloni

2003 Sandrone Barolo Cannubi Boschis (750ml-6pk)

$975.00

Robert Parker 92

"Sandrone�s 2003 Barolo Cannubi Boschis reveals smoke, tar, licorice and dark plums with superb balance and a vibrant, engaging personality. Made in a sweeter, richer style than Le Vigne, its notable depth and well-integrated tannins make it one of the vintage�s successes. I have a slight preference for Le Vigne over Cannubi Boschis today but both wines are among the finest in this vintage." Antonio Galloni

2003 Sandrone La Vigne (750ml)

List Price: ~~$140.00~~ Our Price: $75.00

$75.00

Robert Parker 93

"The 2003 Barolo Le Vigne may have a slight edge over the Cannubi Boschis in this vintage, as the ability to blend fruit from various microclimates was a big advantage. It is a full-bodied, soft-textured Barolo with lively color and plenty of ripe red fruit, menthol and spices. This is an especially fresh, vibrant wine for the vintage, with tannins that are particularly refined. A recent vertical of Le Vigne back to 1995 found the 1995, 1997 and 1998 drinking well and the 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001 approachable, but still with additional upside potential." Antonio Galloni

Wine Spectator 92

Displays bright berry and truffle on the nose. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a caressing finish. There's just a hint of new wood. Balanced and beautiful. Best after 2009.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92

Impressively deep ruby-red color for the vintage. Superripe black fruit, brown spice and tar aromas reminded me of a fresher version of a top Bonneau Chateauneuf. Then sweet and layered in the mouth, with shockingly good ripe acidity for 2003. This boasts a penetrating violet florality I find in very few wines from this hot year. Not yet particularly complex but wonderfully fresh and strong. Sandrone did a second green harvest to remove part of the clusters, then picked slowly during the second week of September, his earliest harvest ever, to eliminate the dried berries. Can this really be better than the Cannubi Boschis?

2004 Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco Rocche (750ml)

$103.00

Robert Parker 93+

The 2004 Barolo Rocche is simply beautiful. Super-ripe red fruits, sweet roses and spices emerge from this gorgeous Barolo. Silky tannins caress the fruit all the way through to the long, deeply satisfying finish. I can't remember the last time I tasted such an impeccably balanced and complete Barolo from Ratti. In 2004, the Rocche has it all! Antonio Galloni

Wine Spectator 91

Beautiful aromas of blackberry and mineral follow through to a full body, with very well-integrated tannins and chocolate, bright fruit and mineral on the finish. Long and gorgeous.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 93

Full red-ruby. Wild black cherry and mocha on the explosive nose; this is downright Burgundian. Full, lush and broad; an outsized wine with terrific verve and sappy depth. Offers lovely purity of fruit, along with excellent volume, sweetness and balance. The tannins seem suaver than those of the Conca-or is there simply more buffering fruit and fat here? "We're finally getting body in this wine, through better control of vine yields and greater concentration," notes Pietro, who finds this vintage to be bigger than the '01 and comparable to the '98 Rocche, which he considers to be great. This is from a southwest-facing parcel planted on sandy soil, whereas the Conca faces southeast and features more blue clay. These vines are between 40 and 50 years of age.

2004 Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco Rocche (750ml-4pk)

$415.00

Robert Parker 93+

The 2004 Barolo Rocche is simply beautiful. Super-ripe red fruits, sweet roses and spices emerge from this gorgeous Barolo. Silky tannins caress the fruit all the way through to the long, deeply satisfying finish. I can't remember the last time I tasted such an impeccably balanced and complete Barolo from Ratti. In 2004, the Rocche has it all! Antonio Galloni

Wine Spectator 91

Beautiful aromas of blackberry and mineral follow through to a full body, with very well-integrated tannins and chocolate, bright fruit and mineral on the finish. Long and gorgeous.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 93

Full red-ruby. Wild black cherry and mocha on the explosive nose; this is downright Burgundian. Full, lush and broad; an outsized wine with terrific verve and sappy depth. Offers lovely purity of fruit, along with excellent volume, sweetness and balance. The tannins seem suaver than those of the Conca-or is there simply more buffering fruit and fat here? "We're finally getting body in this wine, through better control of vine yields and greater concentration," notes Pietro, who finds this vintage to be bigger than the '01 and comparable to the '98 Rocche, which he considers to be great. This is from a southwest-facing parcel planted on sandy soil, whereas the Conca faces southeast and features more blue clay. These vines are between 40 and 50 years of age.

2004 Sandrone La Vigne (750ml-4pk)

$760.00

Robert Parker 96

'The 2004 Barolo Le Vigne is a phenomenal effort. Sweet, long and pure, it reveals an expansive core of perfumed ripe red fruit, flowers and spices. Despite its notable concentration it is made in a restrained style, showing remarkable elegance as well as harmony, with superb length and finessed tannins on the close. Le Vigne is made from the Ceretta, Vignane, Merli and Conterni vineyards. I have tasted the wines from these plots separately on many occasions. Curiously, I have never been particularly impressed by any of the wines on their own, yet when they are blended the results can be extraordinary, as is the case with the sublime 2004 Le Vigne." Antonio Galloni

2004 Sandrone La Vigne (750ml-6pk)

$1,140.00

Robert Parker 96

'The 2004 Barolo Le Vigne is a phenomenal effort. Sweet, long and pure, it reveals an expansive core of perfumed ripe red fruit, flowers and spices. Despite its notable concentration it is made in a restrained style, showing remarkable elegance as well as harmony, with superb length and finessed tannins on the close. Le Vigne is made from the Ceretta, Vignane, Merli and Conterni vineyards. I have tasted the wines from these plots separately on many occasions. Curiously, I have never been particularly impressed by any of the wines on their own, yet when they are blended the results can be extraordinary, as is the case with the sublime 2004 Le Vigne." Antonio Galloni

2004 Sandrone La Vigne (750ml)

$190.00

Robert Parker 96

'The 2004 Barolo Le Vigne is a phenomenal effort. Sweet, long and pure, it reveals an expansive core of perfumed ripe red fruit, flowers and spices. Despite its notable concentration it is made in a restrained style, showing remarkable elegance as well as harmony, with superb length and finessed tannins on the close. Le Vigne is made from the Ceretta, Vignane, Merli and Conterni vineyards. I have tasted the wines from these plots separately on many occasions. Curiously, I have never been particularly impressed by any of the wines on their own, yet when they are blended the results can be extraordinary, as is the case with the sublime 2004 Le Vigne." Antonio Galloni