1998 Luigi Pira Barolo Marenca

The great 1998 Barolo Marenca offers the essence of Nebbiolo in its sweet bouquet of roasted espresso, cedar, Chinese black tea, soy, and black cherry/plum-like fruit. Dense, full-bodied, and viscous, this exceptional Barolo's purity and essence of Nebbiolo-like character make it a compelling wine to drink now and over the next 12-18 years. Oct 2001, www.robertparker.com

Full ruby-red. Spicy raspberry, minerals and clove on the reticent nose. Dense, sweet and full; a large-scaled, somewhat inelegant wine. Finishes with drying, somewhat rustic tannins. This will require several years of bottle aging.