The 1990 Barolo Bricco Rocche Prapo is a fascinating wine that yields a better understanding of where the Nebbiolo trajectory would soon take Barolo after this landmark vintage. With fruit sourced from one of the best sites at the heart of the appellation in Castiglione Falletto, the wine shows a surprising degree of dark fruit concentration and textural richness. Ceretto was one of the first major estates to adopt a so-called “international” approach to Nebbiolo with the use of smaller oak vessels for softening the grape’s notorious tannins. In this case, that extra heft and structure has very much helped to carry the wine forward over the years. Dark plum, prune, crushed granite and dried juniper berry flow generously from the bouquet. The wine is near the end of its drinking window, but still has some kick and pizzazz. In 1987, Ceretto moved its headquarters to the Tenuta Monsordo Bernardina location. Drink: 2014-2020.

The 1990 Barolo Prapo is very sweet (not from sugar, but from grape ripeness), with a long, moderately tannic, concentrated finish. More powerful and revealing greater extract levels than its 1989 sibling, it will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring and last for 20 years.The 1990 offerings are all outstanding, combining fabulous extract levels with aromatic bouquets and opulent, voluptuously rich flavors, textures, and finishes. Ceretto's 1989s and 1990s are unquestionably the finest Barolos I have tasted from this firm. Ceretto's proclivity to produce elegant, graceful, easy going wines has not been compromised in either vintage, but the wines boast terrific richness and concentration. The result is a bevy of riveting Barolos that can be drunk early, or aged for 15 or more years.Ceretto has a propensity to produce easy to drink, delicately-styled Piedmontese wines. While this is evident in the two blockbuster vintages of 1989 and 1990, the Ceretto brothers have made more concentrated and powerful wines than usual. Ceretto enjoyed superb success in both vintages, producing wines opulent enough to be drunk, but with enough concentration and richness to last for 10-15 years. These are top class efforts! Kudos to the Ceretto brothers!Importer: Palace Brands, Hartford, CT.

The estate’s 1990 Barolo Prapo needs some time in the glass to find its inner balance. Truffles, spices, plums and prunes are some of the nuances that emerge from this burly, large-scaled wine. The Prapo reveals an extra dimension of weight and depth compared to the Brunate. The firm Serralunga tannins are sure to outlast the fruit, so the 1990 Prapo is best enjoyed over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2012. I tasted these 1989s and 1990s during a visit to the winery in November, 2009. I was struck by how fast the 1990s have developed. I am tempted to think those wines were not stored perfectly for their entire lives, as I have tasted far fresher examples in the US. As a group, the 1989s were more satisfying. At the time these wines were made vinification and aging were still traditional in approach.

Bright and spicy, with a lively thread of sweet raspberry and strawberry fruit shaded by a strong anise note, echoing vanilla and mint on the finish. Tannins are nicely integrated, promising best things for 1998-2000.??–null??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add