2001 Rocche Dei Manzoni, Barolo, Vigna Roul

The 2001 Barolo Vigna d'la Roul is the most classic of these 2001 Barolos. It reveals phenomenal balance in its layers of dark cherries, violets, tar, new leather, sweet toasted oak and mentholated, balsamic overtones that develop in the glass. this massively structured, large-scaled Barolo reveals an unusual amount of detail for such a big wine. It will require considerable patience, but will offer much pleasure to those who can wait. Vigna d'la Roul is the oldest of the family's holdings and was the principal component of many of the estate's legendary wines, including the 1978 Valentino Riserva.

Good medium red. Musky aromas of nutty oak, minerals and flowers. Juicy, penetrating and youthfully closed, with excellent clarity and grip. Very pure flavors of spices, minerals and mint. Finishes lively and very long, with firm tannic spine.