The 2005 Barolo La Villa is a decidedly darker, firmer wine packed with black cherries, French oak, new leather, tar, menthol, licorice and spices. Here the tannins clamp down on the authoritative finish with notable force. Patience is required, but this, too, is shaping up to be a strong effort from Fontanafredda. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. These 2005s are the finest Barolos I can recall tasting here. The estate seems to have toned down the super-ripe style of recent years and the results are striking. As I have written here before, Fontanafredda owns some of the most prized vineyards in all of Piedmont, and clearly has potential for making important wines of the highest level. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799

Offers bright, rich fruit, with milk chocolate and ripe berry. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and lots of fruit. Long and beautiful. Fruit-forward. Best after 2010. 1,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add