Granbussia, the Barolo Riserva of the house, is made principally from the grapes of the Romirasco vineyard, the estate’s highest, and the altitude was obviously of real assistance in the unusually hot year of 1997. The 1997 Barolo Riserva Granbussia, quite fresh for the vintage, features a sweet, ripe, floral and tarry nose, fine cherry and plum fruit on the rich and full-bodied palate along with minerals, herbs, licorice, and asphalt. Though always a long-lived wine, it generally comes around earlier than Vigna Cicala, and I would choose to drink the wine between 2005 and 2020. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

Medium ruby color. Raisin, spice and cedar aromas turn to flowers, blackberry and cherry. Full-bodied, with masses of chewy tannins, yet they are velvety and long. Loads of character. Loads of richness. A massive wine. Full-throttle red.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Best after 2010. 770 cases made, 70 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add