2009 Brezza, Barolo, Sarmassa

Good bright medium red. Strawberry and a flinty note on the nose. Rich, ripe and fairly open-knit for young Barolo, but with good power nonetheless. Shows sexy early sweetness to the plush red fruit and complex earth flavors. This fruit bomb of a Barolo finishes with sweet tannins and lovely length. From clay-rich soil.

Expressive violets, flowers, mint, tobacco and dried cherries emerge from 2009 Barolo Sarmassa. Darker and more powerful than the Cannubi, the Sarmassa fills its broad-shouldered frame beautifully. Sweet herbs, anise and rosemary are some of the nuances that develop on the intriguing, beguiling finish. The 2009 should be cellared for at least a few years to allow the tannins to soften. Sarmassa has more clay than Cannubi, which lends depth and richness to the wine.