2006 Barolo Bricco Luciani

Federico Grasso is often one of the last producers to bottle his entire range, so I was only able to taste his Bricco Luciani and Ciabot Manzoni, which happen to be the Barolos he is best known for. The 2006 Barolo Bricco Luciani is a soft, accessible wine laced with perfumed red berries, spices and roses. The wine reveals lovely length and an elegant finish but it lacks a touch of depth and body that might otherwise elevate it.

The 2006 Barolo Bricco Luciani is a soft, accessible wine laced with perfumed red berries, spices and roses. The wine reveals lovely length and an elegant finish but it lacks a touch of depth and body that might otherwise elevate it. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2021. Federico Grasso is often one of the last producers to bottle his entire range, so I was only able to taste his Bricco Luciani and Ciabot Manzoni, which happen to be the Barolos he is best known for. 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

Good deep red. Medicinal black cherry, chocolate, menthol and mocha on the nose, plus a whiff of exotic flowers. The exotic character carries through onto the palate, which is both slightly high-toned and a bit youthfully tough. Finishes with good length but this is still stunted by the recent bottling.