Marcarini's 2009 Barolo Brunate is drop-dead gorgeous. The aromas and flavors are a bit brighter and more floral than is often the case, while the darker, balsamic notes typical of Brunate are less evident. Instead, it is the wine's textural finesse and sweetness that speak loud and clear. Hard candy, dried roses and sweet red berries wrap around the textured, inviting finish. Classicists might prefer the 2008, but the 2009 is strikingly beautiful in its own way. Best of all, it will drink well pretty much right out of the gate.

Bright medium red. Captivating scents of sappy cherry, raspberry, menthol, marzipan, dried flowers and brown spices, complicated by truffley soil tones. Complex and alluring on the palate, with a Burgundian silkiness of texture to the flavors of raspberry and truffle. This moderately dense wine is nicely framed by harmonious acidity and finishes with firm but fine-grained tannins and good cut and length. A lovely 2009 Barolo with very good aging potential.

Solid and compact and very very chewy. Massively tannic. Smoky end. (JR)