Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis San Giuseppe, Cavallotto 2008

Firm, racy tannins provide the backbone for the 2008 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe. Dark, balsamic notes wrap around a core of black fruit as this powerful, strapping Barolo shows off its class. Big, chewy tannins support the huge finish in an imposing Barolo full of intrigue. It will be a number of years before the 2008 hits its stride, but it is fabulous, even today. The San Giuseppe is much less expressive than the Vignolo, which is typically the case when the wines are young. It will almost certainly blossom with more time in bottle.

Settling into maturing flavors of autumn leaves, tobacco and tea, with vestiges of dried cherry and spice, this red is sleek and defined. Firm but balanced, with a riveting freshness on the finish. Best from 2017 through 2030. 1,033 cases made.