2005 Marengo, Barolo, Brunate

Deep red. Pure, perfumed nose shows lovely brown-spice lift but is very reticent today. Aromatic and vibrant but youthfully unevolved; most impressive today for its energy, definition and lift. Shows very suave tannins for the year. A very classy 2005 in the making.

Marco Marengo's 2005 Barolo Brunate has aged reasonably well. But is that enough for one of Barolo's Grand Crus? I don't think it is. Beams of firm, incisive tannin have helped preserve the wine, but the 2005 has not really blossomed into what a ten year-old Barolo from this site should be. There is good energy in the glass, but the wine feels suffocated and constricted by the new oak.

Bright ruby. Rich impression of candied autumn leaves! So vibrant and confident! There's still quite a bit of tannin here but I'm confident the fruit will triumph in the end. Gorgeous wine. (JR)