Ceretto Bricco Rocche Barolo 2004

The estate’s 2004 Barolo Bricco Rocche reveals an expansive, generous personality. Macerated cherries, spices, vanilla, tar and smoke develop as this pretty, sumptuous wine opens in the glass. Silky tannins and a resonating note of sweetness from the oak carry through to the long finish. The Bricco Rocche still sees 100% new oak but Ceretto is contemplating a shorter aging regime. The 2005, which had just been taken out of oak at the time of my visit, was fresher than the 2004 and seemed to benefit from less time in barrel. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.

92 points from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Winery Notes: This Castiglione Falletto vineyard is the smallest geographic area within the Barolo specification and comprises just over 1 hectare. It is the most prestigious part of what was once called La Serra and is nestled between the Villero and the Rocche (rock face) of Castiglione, which represents the best of the top parts; it can be considered a monopole as the whole parcel is the exclusive property of the Ceretto family. The height of the vineyard is optimum, going from 350 to 370 meters above sea level, with southeast to southwest exposure. The earth (sandstone of Diano) reinforce the ideal sense of balance, suggested the geographic location, and see good percentages of sand, silt and clay.