Rating for Italy-Piedmont: 92 (slightly better than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: drink now<br/>

The 2005 Barolo is a very pretty wine made in an ethereal, soft style. Pretty notes of dark cherries, leather, licorice and sweet spices come together in a wine of unusual grace at this level. The wine shows no hard edges and a pure, fresh finish. This is an excellent choice for near-term drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2015. This is a beautiful set of wines from brothers Franco and Roberto Massolino. These Barolos offer gorgeous balance in the mid-weight style of the vintage. There will also be a 2005 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda, but that wine won’t be ready for several years.

The 2005 Barolo is a very pretty wine made in an ethereal, soft style. Pretty notes of dark cherries, leather, licorice and sweet spices come together in a wine of unusual grace at this level. The wine shows no hard edges and a pure, fresh finish. This is an excellent choice for near-term drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2015. This is a beautiful set of wines from brothers Franco and Roberto Massolino. These Barolos offer gorgeous balance in the mid-weight style of the vintage. There will also be a 2005 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda, but that wine won’t be ready for several years.