2003 Bruno Giacosa, Barolo, Falletto Vigna Le Rocche 6x75cl

Antonio Galloni 92

The 2003 Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto has quite a bit more breadth and volume than the straight Barolo Falletto, but at the same time the intense, forward personality of the year is more evident. The classic Giacosa perfume struggles to emerge, but the ripeness of the vintage remains very much in evidence. The tannins are a bit firm, but they will only intensify as the fruit fades, so the 2003 is best enjoyed before that sets in. [Antonio Galloni, 06/01/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-2023

Stephen Tanzer 92+

(Giacosa produced no riserva bottlings in 2003) Good medium red. Reticent, brooding nose suggests menthol and mocha. In a distinctly closed and tougher style, with fairly vibrant currant, mocha and menthol flavors currently cut off by firm tannins. This makes the 2003 Asili appear lush and open by comparison. But this rather classically styled Barolo is still a baby. [Stephen Tanzer, 11/01/2007]

Wine Advocate 94

The 2003 Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto is a fascinating wine. It is classic Giacosa, with a lovely core of sweet roses, raspberries, licorice and menthol that is currently hiding under an imposing wall of tannins. It is also a wine of contrasts, at times open and accessible, at others brooding and shut down. As it sits in the glass the fruit gradually emerges to fill out the wine’s structure. It had only improved when I re-tasted it several days after first opening the bottle. That said, it will require further cellaring to soften the tannins, as the wine has shut down considerably since bottling. Made from the heart of the Falletto vineyard, it clearly benefits from the age of the vines in these selected plots. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2023. [Antonio Galloni, 01/10/2007]

Anticipated maturity: 2010-2023