Released in magnum and only made in the best years, this wine is recognized by its gold label and is sometimes called "Riserva Oro." The Parusso 2011 Barolo Riserva Bussia Gold Label shows a dark garnet hue with some sepia coloring at the rims. This hot-vintage expression offers an open bouquet with some oxidative tones that underline the accessibility of the wine. Dried cherry, prune, tilled earth and toasted hazelnut emerge from the bouquet. Fruit is sourced from a parcel in the Bussia crus distinguished by white silty soils. My sample was a little flat, dried out and probably not built for the long haul.- ML

The 2011 Barolo Bussia Riserva Oro captures all of the exoticism of the year in its sweet red cherry, kirsch, tobacco, mint, white truffle, cedar and sweet vanillin flavors. Medium in body and racy, the 2011 is rich, luscious and decidedly flamboyant. I would prefer to drink it over the next decade, before the fruit starts to dry out. Parusso will release a second Riserva lot, aged in 200% new oak, as a 20-year Riserva. I find the 2011 a bit overripe for my taste, but that is the style of the vintage. -- Antonio Galloni