($145) Impressively deep ruby-red color for the vintage. Superripe black fruit, brown spice and tar aromas reminded me of a fresher version of a top Bonneau Chateauneuf. Then sweet and layered in the mouth, with shockingly good ripe acidity for 2003. This boasts a penetrating violet florality I find in very few wines from this hot year. Not yet particularly complex but wonderfully fresh and strong. Sandrone did a second green harvest to remove part of the clusters, then picked slowly during the second week of September, his earliest harvest ever, to eliminate the dried berries. Can this really be better than the Cannubi Boschis?

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The 2003 Barolo Le Vigne may have a slight edge over the Cannubi Boschis in this vintage, as the ability to blend fruit from various microclimates was a big advantage. It is a full-bodied, soft-textured Barolo with lively color and plenty of ripe red fruit, menthol and spices. This is an especially fresh, vibrant wine for the vintage, with tannins that are particularly refined. A recent vertical of Le Vigne back to 1995 found the 1995, 1997 and 1998 drinking well and the 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001 approachable, but still with additional upside potential.

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Displays bright berry and truffle on the nose. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a caressing finish. There's just a hint of new wood. Balanced and beautiful. 400 cases imported.

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