2000 Barolo Cicala

The 2000 Barolo Cicala opens with gorgeous notes of crushed berries. The 2000 is a relatively small-scaled, lithe Cicala that shows excellent freshness all the way through to the long finish. The wine gains energy and focus in the glass, with suggestions of menthol and pine that add lift. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. Aldo Conterno’s 2000s are quite foward relative to their historical track records. As expected, the Granbussia is the strongest wine in the bunch, but none of these three Baroli appears to be built for the very long haul.

(from an especially steep part of the Bussia Soprana vineyard) Fresh medium red color. Cool, chalky aromas of red cherry, licorice, minerals and chocolate. Dense, chewy and sappy, with superb inner-mouth energy and floral character. Conveys a strong impression of soil tones. The longest of these 2000s, finishing impressively chewy, firmly tannic and palate-staining. Transcends the vintage. These vines were picked earlier than those used to make the basic Bussia Soprana wine.

Slightly reduced nose features plum, mocha, minerals and smoke, along with a strong toasty aspect. Sweeter and deeper than the normale by a wide margin. Superripe, almost jammy in the mouth, with a chewy texture and suggestions of graphite and roasted fruits. In comparison to the estate's '98, this comes across as fatter and lower in acidity. Very long and ripely tannic.