The 2006 Barolo Vigneto Brunate sweeps across the palate with a gorgeous array of dark morello cherries, menthol, spices and minerals, all of which are woven together in an intricate fabric of notable class and elegance. Round, supple and infinitely elegant, the wine reveals superb balance and a rich, textured finish. The tannins remain broad throughout, and will require a measure of patience. This is fantastic juice! Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. This is a strong set of 2006 Barolos from father and son team Andrea and Fabio Oberto. I had a chance to taste the 2006s next to the estate’s 2005s, and it is pretty clear the 2006s possess an extra dimension of generosity over their older brethren that, among other things, results in better integration of the oak. The 2006 Barolos were vinified in steel for roughly 10-12 days, with the exception of the Brunate, which was vinified in oak. The malos took place in a heated cellar. The single-vineyard Barolos were subsequently aged in a combination of barrel and cask (30% cask, 35% new barrique, 35% once-used barrique). The estate’s 2007s, which I tasted from barrel are highly promising as well. Various American importers, including: Chambers & Chambers, San Francisco, CA; tel. (415) 642-5500; Vinvino Wine Co., Inc., New York, NY; tel. (212) 463-7880, Worldwide Cellars, Minneapolis, MN; tel. (612) 378-0316