Dark ruby in color, with intense aromas of ripe plum, coffee, cedar and cigar box. Full-bodied, with glorious dried fruits, vanilla and coffee on the palate. Chewy and rich on the finish. Layered and generous. Ultrarich and beautiful. Hard not to drink now. Best after 2009.

When I asked Bruno Giacosa to name the top terroirs in Barolo he replied Pianpolvere, followed by Falletto, Vigna Rionda and Bussia. That is quite a statement. Today Pianpolvere Soprano is owned by the Migliorini family, proprietors of Rocche dei Manzoni. Pianpolvere Soprano’s 2000 Barolo Bussia Riserva is a terrific wine. It possesses gorgeous inner perfume to its ripe fruit, spices and sweet toasted oak. It is still primary and could use another few years to develop more nuance. (AG)

Good full red with an amber edge. Lower-toned aromas of smoky oak, damp earth and vegetable matter, with a roasted nuance. Then fat, sweet, very ripe and supple, with a very smooth, rich texture and suave tannins. This compellingly sweet, rather carnal Barolo finishes with lovely length