2005 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe

Just mid ruby with orange tinges. Earthy spice and cherry nose with a minerally edge. Fine and a little subdued, but the power is evident. Succulent attack, then the fruit draws back. Loads of powdery tannins. Fragrant and long if currently a little backward. (WS)

(the warm, southwest-facing San Giuseppe section of Bricco Boschis can suffer in hot growing seasons): Good deep red. Funky, slightly reduced nose offers game, leather, syrupy red fruits and cigar tobacco. Thick and wild but a bit unrefined. Finishes with huge, broad, dusty tannins. A rather tough, somewhat rustic wine that will need extended cellaring. Cavalotto does modern, but not short, vinification in rotofermenters, then traditional aging in large oak casks. By the way, the 2006 riservas will not be bottled until April of 2012!

The 2005 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe is a serious wine endowed with tons of intensity in its dark fruit. It shows the darker side of Castiglione Falletto in its dark fruit and powerful, imposing structure. The 2005 is virtually impenetrable at this stage. It needs time, and likely lots of it. Pine, menthol and resinous, spiced notes wrap around the deep, muscular finish. This is a big Barolo that will require patience.