The 2004 Barolo Vigna Croera reveals pretty aromatics and notes of smoke, tar, roses, herbs and the small red fruits that are characteristic of the wines of La Morra. Made in a medium-bodied, delicate style it possesses a graceful, feminine personality and finessed tannins. Even though the wine continued to gain weight in the glass I noted that it was less expressive than when I tasted it from barrel in April 2006. The Croera is made from a high altitude plot in the Serradenari district of La Morra. This site has never been particularly well regarded for Nebbiolo in the past. Long-time oenologist Dante Scaglione told me he expects the vines to only yield and important Barolo in truly great vintages. There will be no 2005 or 2006.

(the first vintage for this wine, from six-year-old vines in Falletto purchased by Giacosa in 2000) Good deep red. Expressive nose melds raspberry, truffle and underbrush; less precise than the 2004 Asili. Then sweet, creamy and seamless in the mouth, with an almost exotic character to the cherry and raspberry fruit. Offers impressive power for a Barolo from young vines, but also lovely mid-palate sweetness and creaminess of texture. Finishes with chewy but ripe and sweet tannins and good length. A distinctly supple style of Barolo, especially from this producer.

The 2004 Barolo Vigna Croera reveals pretty aromatics and notes of smoke, tar, roses, herbs and the small red fruits that are characteristic of the wines of La Morra. Made in a medium-bodied, delicate style it possesses a graceful, feminine personality and finessed tannins. Even though the wine continued to gain weight in the glass I noted that it was less expressive than when I tasted it from barrel in April 2007. The Croera is made from a high altitude plot in the Serradenari district of La Morra. This site has never been particularly well regarded for Nebbiolo. Long-time oenologist Dante Scaglione told me he expects the vines to only yield top-flight Barolo in truly great vintages. There will be no 2005 or 2006. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.