Vietti, Barolo, Brunate 2006

The 2006 Barolo Brunate is a fat, juicy wine that comes across as more immediate than some of the other Barolos in this line-up. Smoke, tar and licorice meld into a core of gloriously ripe fruit. There is incredible density and richness to the Brunate, qualities that carry through to the impeccably round, harmonious finish. The Brunate sees a fermentation/maceration lasting roughly 21 days, which is the shortest among the estate's single-vineyard Barolos, but not entirely surprising for a wine made from this site, which lies on the La Morra/Barolo border. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031.