2001 Falletto di Bruno Giacosa ‘Falletto Vigna Le Rocche’ Riserva

DEC98 Irony minerals, pressed violet and dark cocoa are at the fore with sweet moist earth and mace on the palate. It has filled out and shows more richness now, though somehow remains ethereally weighted. Deeply profound with endless layers and lingering porcini, it wields a steady grip and appetising sour cherry acidity. I have been lucky enough to try this on half a dozen occasions, from its initial release until I opened my last bottle a few months ago. Still very much alive and singing. VIN98 The 2001 Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto di Serralunga is without question one of the wines of the night. Deep, resonant and exquisite, the 2001 marries elegance with power. Huge tannins wrap around a core of dark fruit, spice, leather, gravel, cured meats, melted road tar, rose petals and licorice. Phenomenal in its balance and ravishing intensity, the 2001 Riserva is off the charts. Aside from possibly the 2004, the Giacosa family has not equaled the 2001 since.