2008 Barolo Conca

The 2008 Barolo Conca shows quite a bit more freshness and vibrancy than the Marcenasco. Freshly cut flowers, spices and sweet red cherries are woven together nicely in this gracious, mid-weight Barolo. The French oak is deftly balanced. Though quite tight and understandably young, the Marcenasco impresses for its overall balance.

The 2008 Barolo Conca shows considerably more freshness and vibrancy than the Marcenasco. Freshly cut flowers, spices and sweet red cherries are woven together nicely in this gracious, mid-weight Barolo. The French oak is deftly balanced. Though quite tight and understandably young, the Marcenasco impresses for its overall balance. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028. This is a beautiful set of 2008s from Pietro Ratti. While his 2007s were quite extroverted, Ratti’s 2008s return to a cool, inward style that is both classic and also typical of the year. Importer: Dreyfus Ashby & Co., New York, NY; tel. (212) 818-0770

(these vines were replanted in 1994): Good deep red. Primary crushed berries and licorice on the nose. A step up in texture from the Marcenasco, offering a captivating balance of silkiness and firm acidity. Lovely minerality contributes verve but keeps the wine's flavors under wraps today. Not as sweet or seamless today as the 2007 but more refined. Substantial tannins coat the incisors and give the wine a solid spine for aging.