The 2004 Barolo Brunate is a fresh, vibrant offering loaded with dark red fruit, tobacco, smoke and licorice. This mid-weight Barolo possesses terrific depth and elegant, finessed tannins. Brunate is one of Piedmont’s ‘grand cru’ vineyards, so it’s a shame to see so much of that site’s character obscured by the French oak. Still, this is an unquestionably beautiful Barolo from Chiarlo. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2022. This is a very solid set of wines from Michele Chiarlo, a producer who seems to be moving in the right direction with regards to quality. Importer: Kobrand Corp., Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7756

Aromas of berry and rose follow through to a medium-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a simple finish. Best after 2008. 260 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

The 2003 Barolo Brunate is a medium to full-bodied wine with excellent intensity in its dark fruit, tar, spices and scorched earth. The oak is a little more prominent here than it is in the estate's other Barolos. It is another solid effort from Michele Chiarlo. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018. Michele Chiarlo owns plots in some of the area's best vineyards. In past vintages the wines have been all over the map in terms of quality so its nice to see him bounce back with these strong releases. Importer: Kobrand Corp., New York, NY; tel. (212) 490-9300

Plummy and straightforward with some berry and tobacco character. Medium body. Good tannins, but slightly disappointing for a Brunate. Best after 2007. 320 cases made, 80 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

The 2001 Barolo Brunate is very representative of this vineyard, with its intense, balsamic nose and notes of roses, wet earth, eucalyptus and licorice. It offers excellent depth with an ethereal note on the finish and should drink well until age 15-20. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2021. Importer: Kobrand Corp., New York, NY; tel. (212) 490-9300