2001 Barolo Monfortino Riserva

The 2001 Barolo Riserva Granbussia is gorgeous today. The bouquet is starting to show its age, with early signs of tertiary evolution that take shape in the glass. There is more than enough fruit to suggest the 2001 will drink well for another decade or so. Nothing in particular stands out, just the wine’s textural beauty and incomparable finesse. Rose petals, autumn leaves and sweet spices waft from the glass as the wine continues to freshen up over time. This is a terrific showing from one of the icons of Piedmont. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. The 2001 Barolo Riserva Granbussia was made during a period of generational transition at Aldo Conterno. I am convinced today’s wines are far better. Within that context, the 2001 Granbussia has aged quite well. Unfortuantely I was not able to taste the entire 2001 lineup. Importer: Massanois Imports, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 470-6769

Fleshier nose than the older Granbussias. Quite a rich palate entry. Firm and dense. Still quite chewy. Liquorice, but very dry. Some compost. Very pure. Sweeter than the vintages in the 1990s. Lots of energy. The Conterno family love 2001. (JR)

Good full medium red. Very ripe aromas of strawberry, licorice, minerals and truffle, with balsamic and dried floral nuances. Fat, sweet, rich and deep; at once succulent and seamless, with a wonderfully layered texture and great early appeal. Very full without coming across as weighty. The slow-building finish features substantial sweet tannins. "Shows the magic side of 2001," Franco offers. "It can keep for a long time but it's great right now." By the way, 2001 was the seventh consecutive vintage in which this wine was bottled, but there will be no '02, '03 or '04. (ST)