The 1999 Barolo Le Vigne is striking and super-expressive today. Still quite youthful, the 1999 possesses lovely balance and plenty of silkiness. Subtle hints of sweet tobacco, mint, dried cherries, crushed flowers and anise are all layers of nuance in a finely sculpted, chiseled Barolo long on personality and class. This is a fabulous showing from Le Vigne.

I generally prefer Le Vigne, which uses the grapes of a variety of sites in the eastern part of the zone, and the 1999 Barolo Le Vigne is no exception. These soils give a more concentrated Nebbiolo, and the powerfully smoky, tarry, and floral aromas of this Barolo are echoed on the palate, with large-framed, deep, and potent flavors, very mineral and with excellent spice. It is superior in density, texture, and drive. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2022. DT

I generally prefer Le Vigne, which uses the grapes of a variety of sites in the eastern part of the zone, and the 1999 Barolo Le Vigne is no exception. These soils give a more concentrated Nebbiolo, and the powerfully smoky, tarry, and floral aromas of this Barolo are echoed on the palate, with large-framed, deep, and potent flavors, very mineral and with excellent spice. It is superior in density, texture, and drive. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2022. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

Shows gorgeous strawberry tart aromas, with fresh flowers and subtle vanilla bean. Full-bodied, with seamless tannins and a solid core of beautiful fruit. Lots of new wood. Needs more time to come together.—'99 Piedmont blind retrospective (2009). JS

Good deep red. Brambly red fruits (the young 2000 is very black fruit by comparison), spices, minerals and underbrush on the nose. Surprisingly sweet for this wine but still tightly wound, with a firm spine of acidity. Much less pliant today than the '98 version, with the bright, spicy flavors of toasty red fruits still rather unforthcoming. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and a firmer impression than the 2000.

Deep ruby with orange tinges. Savoury and complex with notes of undergrowth, malt and dark cherry. Marked just a little by oxidation, but with succulent sweet cherry fruit and beautiful coating tannins. (WS)