Deep red-ruby. Very closed, extremely primary nose hints at black fruits. Impressively rich, dense and large-scaled, with great sweetness and pliancy in the middle palate. Offers outstanding palate presence without coming off as heavy. Finishes with huge, horizontal, rather muscular tannins and an austere suggestion of menthol. With time in the glass, this classy wine turned increasingly clenched on the back end.(ST)

Wonderful aromas of roses, berries and violets follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a pretty, caressing, sweet fruit finish. Pretty wine. Best after 2006. 350 cases imported. —J.S.

Sandrone’s dark ruby-colored 2001 Barolo Le Vigne presents a fantastic nose of flowers, minerals and crushed raspberries followed by generous amounts of very ripe red fruits, mint and eucalyptus notes with well-integrated oak and fine tannins. It is noticeably more structured than the 2000, with more balance, freshness and a longer finish. Traditional in design, but modern in execution, the 2001 Barolo Le Vigne presents tremendous harmony and elegance. Ideally a few years of cellaring are warranted although the wine is already drinking well today. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. -A.G.