2005 Barolo Monfalletto

Medium red. Classic Barolo aromas of strawberry, chestnut, camphor, graphite and mocha, with eucalyptus and balsamic nuances. Silky on entry, then perfumed and tightly wound in the middle, with brisk acidity giving the wine a strong impression of energy. Precise red fruit flavors emerged with aeration. This may well be longer than the 2006.

The 2005 Barolo Monfalletto is graceful and light on its feet in a very classic expression of La Morra Barolo. Crushed flowers, raspberries and spices emerge from this mid-weight, feminine wine. The Monfalletto offers lovely balance and class, with an elegant, refined finish that captures the essence of the wines from this part of the Barolo zone. This should be a relatively accessible Barolo at an early age.

The 2005 Barolo Monfalletto is graceful and light on its feet in a very classic expression of La Morra Barolo. Crushed flowers, raspberries and spices emerge from this mid-weight, feminine wine. The Monfalletto offers lovely balance and class, with an elegant, refined finish that captures the essence of the wines from this part of the Barolo zone. This should be a relatively accessible Barolo at an early age. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. This is a lovely set of wines from Cordero di Montezemolo, one of the most picturesque properties in all of Piedmont. The 2005 Barolos seem to be better balanced than in the past with a more enlightened use of French oak. Various American importers, including: Omniwines Distributing Co. LLC, Linden Hill, NY; tel. (718) 353-8700, Wine WareHouse, City of Commerce, CA; tel. (323) 724-1700; Bertin Henri Selections, 10900 NW 21st St, Unit 180, Doral, FL 33172; tel: (305) 343-4054