2004 Armando Parusso Barolo

Parusso’s 2004 Barolo is a refined wine with sweet herb and toasted oak notes that complement the perfumed ripe fruit. Medium in body, it offers excellent persistence and silky caressing tannins on the finish. It is a superb effort at this level. Parusso’s Barolo sees roughly 50% new oak. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016. Marco Parusso aims to make elegant Barolos that emulate much of what he admires among his favorite Burgundy producers. The fruit gets a 2-3 day cold soak to allow the grapes to recover from what Parusso describes as the shock of being harvested. The wines are fermented at a lower temperatures than is the norm here in order to preserve freshness. Parusso works with natural yeasts and minimal amounts of SO2, leaving the wines on their lees for 16-18 months, another practice that is uncommon in these parts. As was the case throughout the region, the harvest was fairly late by today’s standards and the last of the Nebbiolo was brought in towards the end of October. Importer: Montecastelli Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 414-4898

(includes younger vines from Parusso's crus) Good bright, deep red. Expressive aromas of cherry, camphor, tar and flowers. Round, broad and nicely fine-grained, with bright redcurrant and raspberry fruit lifted by a floral element. Offers moderate complexity and finishes with a fine dusting of tannins.