The 2009 Barolo Brunate is the richest, deepest and most complete of the Marengo 2009s. A weightless, elegant Barolo, the 2009 impresses for its balance and depth. This is a decidedly restrained Brunate that maintains terrific freshness and energy, although site- specific nuances aren't as alive as they usually are. Sweet balsamic notes are layered into the creamy, expressive finish.

Good deep red. Plum, redcurrant and wild herbs, plus a lovely floral quality for a 2009. Plush, sweet and stuffed with fruit; really wonderfully sweet and deep. Finishes with noble, broad, fine-grained tannins and superb building length. This is delicious right now but should age well for a decade or more.

Minuscule portion poured by the Marengos. Pale ruby. Leafy cherry with a hint of dried fruit and black tea. Far less marked by oak or dried fruit than you would expect on the basis of this vintage. Youthful sweet fruit palate and quite full with rather firm, somewhat drying tannins betraying the hot 2009 vintage. Strikes a good balance on a very long finish. (WS)