2000 Barolo Sotto Castello di Novello

(the first vintage, from five-year-old vines; aged in 50% new and 50% once-used barriques Bright, deep red. Aromas of leather, truffle, earth and nutty oak; showed some redcurrant and mocha with aeration. Sweet, fine-grained and easygoing but not particularly complex, dense or aromatic. An exotic woodsmoke character contributes to the impression of sweetness. Finishes with slightly drying tannins and a floral nuance.