2005 Barolo Margheria

Good saturated, deep red. Ripe but cool aromas of black cherry, fresh herbs, mint, menthol and licorice; reminded me of a Clos Vougeot. A cool, slightly lean midweight with a medicinal restraint to its black cherry and fresh herb flavors. Moderately ripe wine with firm tannins that call for six or seven years of cellaring. (The basic Barolo was similar in style but leaner still and less ripe.)

Massolino's cask-aged 2005 Barolo Margheria is a sweet, layered wine that shows superb depth and precision. Deceptively medium in body, the wine offers up plums, spices, licorice, iron, herbs and flowers in a chiseled, beautifully articulated style, with a long, pure finish. There is plenty of punch underneath, however, and this delicious Barolo should drink well to age 20 and likely beyond. Today the Margheria is quite fresh and primary, and readers will need to be patient before the wine is ready to give its finest. This is classic Serralunga Barolo.

Massolino’s cask-aged 2005 Barolo Margheria is a sweet, layered wine that shows superb depth and precision. Deceptively medium in body, the wine offers up plums, spices, licorice, iron, herbs and flowers in a chiseled, beautifully articulated style, with a long, pure finish. There is plenty of punch underneath, however, and this delicious Barolo should drink well to age 20 and likely beyond. Today the Margheria is quite fresh and primary, and readers will need to be patient before the wine is ready to give its finest. This is classic Serralunga Barolo. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027. This is a beautiful set of wines from brothers Franco and Roberto Massolino. These Barolos offer gorgeous balance in the mid-weight style of the vintage. There will also be a 2005 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda, but that wine won’t be ready for several years. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799