No matter the vintage - hot or cold - this special wine always stays true to itself. The 2011 Barolo Monprivato is not as precise or polished as the excellent 2010 vintage, but the wine offers abundant elegance and generosity nonetheless. Dark fruit is followed by pipe tobacco, licorice and cola. These elements achieve a beautiful level of balance, depth and unity. Some tartness appears on the close. This wine demonstrates that you can't beat an excellent vineyard site when it comes to making iconic wines.

Subtle scents of crushed herbs and rose petals gain intensity with air, as do the flavors in this elegant, red-fruited wine. Its berry and spice notes evolve into flavors of licorice and tarragon, taking on a tarry undertone that grounds the bright fruit. Its chalky tannins feel cool and bright, propelling the flavors toward a long and poised finish. The wine is surprisingly accessible now, combining intensity of flavor with an ethereal texture, and exuding a lovely floral perfume that I’d be happy just to smell over an entire evening.

Leather, cured meat, scorched earth, ripe berry and balsamic aromas lead the nose. The smooth, structured palate delivers layers of fleshy black cherry, white pepper and grilled herb alongside velvety tannins. A licorice note wraps around the lingering finish.

This is expressive, with alluring cherry, strawberry, floral and mineral flavors building to a long, expansive finish. The elegant profile belies the serious structure underneath, which should allow this red to develop over the next 15 to 20 years. Offers fine berry fruit and a minerally aftertaste. *Collectible*

Pale crimson (much bluer than the Villero). Dense and meaty on the nose. Masses of tannin and extract with autumn leaves.