2001 Barolo Bussia

Taken out of professional storage and purchased directly from the winery, the 2001 Barolo Bussia comes across as impossibly young and vibrant, wafting up with a dazzling display of crushed black cherries, cloves, cedar, potpourri and sweet tobacco. It caresses the palate with silky textures, as tension builds through its core of mineral-tinged red fruits and inner spice, all while grippy tannins firm up toward the close. This is potent yet balanced, resonating on mentholated herbs and woodland berries, with hints of inner earth and leather that linger incredibly long. The 2001 may not be immortal, but there is no sign of decline in sight; and while still structured, it has a combination of concentration and freshness that promises a long and steady evolution. Wow, just wow.

The 2001 Barolo Bussia is another huge, dramatic wine. It frankly stands heads and shoulders above most other wines in this vintage. Layers of dark fruit caress the palate, followed by hints of spices, menthol, crushed rocks and white truffle. The 2001 is at once sumptuous and yet impossibly young. The full spectrum of contrasts is one of many things that elevates the Bussia to the upper echelon in 2001. This is a stunning bottle.

The 2001 Barolo Bussia is another huge, dramatic wine. It frankly stands heads and shoulders above most other wines in this vintage. Layers of dark fruit caress the palate, followed by hints of spices, menthol, crushed rocks and white truffle. The 2001 is at once sumptuous and yet impossibly young. The full spectrum of contrasts is one of many things that elevates the Bussia to the upper echelon in 2001. This is a stunning bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2026. Importer: Montecastelli Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 414-4898