The 1996 Barolo Monfortino, just bottled, is a brooding, backward behemoth, which reminds me of the 1978 in its youth. An usually dark garnet for a completely traditional Barolo, its fabulously fresh aromas, plummy and spicy and redolent of roses, violets, graphite, and road tar, give way to a super-concentrated palate, massive and packed, dense and intense in texture and continuity. It is explosive on the development and finish, both mouth-coating and chewy yet nobly austere and with the length and kick which characterize the greatest of Barolo. I would not touch a bottle until 2010, and imagine that it will still be an extraordinary wine in 2035. Importer: Seth Allen, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700

Fabulous aromas of crushed strawberry, flowers and light dried porcini. Full-bodied, with ripe fruit and a pruny undertone. Round and caressing. An amazing bottle that will be even better with age.--1996 Piedmont retrospective. Best after 2008.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add