Intense aromas of ripe fruit sandalwood and perfume. Full-bodied with lovely ripe fruit flavors and velvety tannins. Long sweet fruit finish. Soft layered and gorgeous. Exciting in a reserved way. Best after 2008. 770 cases made. –JS

The 2000 Barolo Riserva Granbussia is unquestionably a great effort. It presents a gorgeous spiced nose followed by layers of sweet red fruit that open onto the palate with notable concentration and length all while maintaining a restrained sense of balance for the vintage with soft tannins that make it a highly attractive wine even at this young age. It should be at its finest between ages 8 and 20. Whereas the Riserva at many estates is the most powerful wine at Aldo Conterno the Riserva is the most elegant. It is made from a blend of fruit sourced from the Romirasco (70%) Cicala (15%) and Colonnello (15%) vineyards. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020. Importer: Domaine Select New York NY; tel. (212) 279-0799