2006 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata Torriglione

The 2006 Rocche dell'Annunziata/Torriglione reveals a rich, kaleidoscope of perfumed aromas that meld seamlessly into a palate of ripe red fruit. The tannins are silky and exceptionally refined, yet the wine possesses plenty of muscle, depth and richness, albeit in a style that favors elegance over power. Along with the Cerequio and the Sarmassa, the Rocche is one of Voerzio's more feminine Barolos. In 2006, it is drop-dead gorgeous. Patience is required, but readers who are able to lovingly cellar this wine will not be disappointed.

The 2006 Rocche dell'Annunziata/Torriglione reveals a rich, kaleidoscope of perfumed aromas that meld seamlessly into a palate of ripe red fruit. The tannins are silky and exceptionally refined, yet the wine possesses plenty of muscle, depth and richness, albeit in a style that favors elegance over power. Along with the Cerequio and the Sarmassa, the Rocche is one of Voerzio’s more feminine Barolos. In 2006, it is drop-dead gorgeous. Patience is required, but readers who are able to lovingly cellar this wine will not be disappointed. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031. My most recent visit with Roberto Voerzio and his son Davide in November 2009 was one of the most emotionally transcendental experiences I have ever had. When all was said and done, we tasted nearly forty wines spanning vintages 1988-2008, essentially covering this inspired producer’s entire career. That tasting will be the subject of an upcoming article on www.erobertparker.com, but readers can get a sneak peak at some of the 1989s and 1990s that are covered in this issue’s “What About Now.” I saw Roberto Voerzio in September 2006 and toured his vineyards just as the Nebbiolo harvest was about to begin. The fruit was absolutely gorgeous, and fortunately Voerzio was spared any significant damage from hail. Still, Voerzio was not entirely happy with his Barolo La Serra and Merlot, and opted not to bottle those wines. Always one of the first to harvest, Voerzio brought in his Nebbiolo in the first week of September. Vinification is fairly straightforward and takes place in stainless steel. Roberto Voerzio is one of the few producers of his generation who prefers steel for the malolactic fermentations as well. The wines were aged in French oak barrels. Beginning with his 2008s, Voerzio is aging his Barolos in a combination of roughly equal parts large cask and French oak, an approach he used for his early vintages through 1993. The first wines I have tasted from cask have been simply brilliant. It will be fascinating to see where Voerzio takes his craft from here. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Very good deep red. Very ripe aromas of musky strawberry, tar, licorice and truffley underbrush, with a suggestion of dried fruits. Silky-sweet, concentrated and rich, but less primary in character than the 2005 Cerequio or La Serra bottlings. Finishes with big, mouthclenching granular tannins that currently cut off the wine's fruit (Davide points out that this is the estate's least tannic 2006 Barolo!). A very ripe style, but with the fruit currently in the background.