2007 Barolo Monfalletto

(40,000 bottles produced; aged in a mix of barrel sizes, including some large Slavonian oak casks): Good medium red with an amber edge. Highly nuanced nose combines smoke, mocha, menthol, dried rose, camphor and cigar tobacco; at once delicate and intense. Sappy, insinuating cherry fruit is framed and intensified by surprising acidity. Chewy, classic Barolo with serious but sweet tannins. "This can be drunk with food already," says Alberto Cordero, "but most of our vintages are best at eight to ten years of age."

The 2007 Barolo Monfalletto is another superb-entry-level Barolo. The essence of crushed flowers, spices, roses and tobacco come together beautifully in this mid-weight, refined Barolo. The Monfalletto shows wonderful mid-palate density and fabulous overall balance in pure style that recalls some of the great past vintages here.

The 2007 Barolo Monfalletto is another superb-entry-level Barolo. The essences of crushed flowers, spices, roses and tobacco come together beautifully in this mid-weight, refined Barolo. The Monfalletto shows wonderful mid-palate density and fabulous overall balance in a pure style that recalls some of the great past vintages here. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2027. Cordero di Montezemolo is one of the few estates where the 2006s are more interesting than the 2007s, with the exception of the entry-level Barolo Monfalleto. Various American importers, including: Omniwines Distributing Co. LLC, Linden Hill, NY; tel. (718) 353-8700, Wine WareHouse, City of Commerce, CA; tel. (323) 724-1700; Bertin Henri Selections, 10900 NW 21st St, Unit 180, Doral, FL 33172; tel: (305) 343-4054