1997 Azelia Barolo San Rocco

Dark garnet-colored with an amber edge, the 1997 Barolo San Rocco possesses a phenomenal perfume of tobacco, leather, cedar, fruitcake, and cherry liqueur. Tar and rose petals (classic scents of ripe Nebbiolo) also emerge. Once past the terrific aromatics, the wine is full-bodied, rich, and supple, with an expansive texture, sweet tannin, low acidity, and gobs of fat as well as extract. This alluring Barolo is best drunk over the next 12-15 years. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate # 135 Jun 2001

Deep red-ruby color. Black raspberry, mint and a floral note on the nose. Lush and creamy in the mouth, with wonderful sweetness. Perhaps not as outsized as some '97s, but extremely suave. The thoroughly buffered tannins hit the palate quite late.