The 2001 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is a gorgeous wine laced with smoke, tar, licorice and menthol. The 2001 remains powerful and authoritative, with more than enough fruit to balance its huge tannins. Today it comes across as almost impenetrably young. There is plenty of upside to cellaring this fabulous Barolo.

The 2001 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is a gorgeous wine laced with smoke, tar, licorice and menthol. The 2001 remains powerful and authoritative, with more than enough fruit to balance its huge tannins. Today it comes across as almost impenetrably young. There is plenty of upside to cellaring this fabulous Barolo. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031. (Antonio Galloni)

Intense aromas of licorice, berries and tobacco with just a hint of citrus. Full-bodied, with an excellent intensity of fruit and a long, silky finish. Juicy and rich. Always classic in a top year. Best after 2008. 800 cases made. (James Suckling)

Good full red. Complex, lively nose melds cassis, blackberry, violet, minerals and spicy oak. Silky and suave on entry, then strong and dense in the middle, with flavors of cassis, dark chocolate and menthol. Very primary Barolo with excellent lift. Finishes very long, with chewy tannins and a light touch. This may well need seven or eight years to fully express itself.