Brunate - 94 points:
A translucent, superbly elegant Barolo, the 2004 Brunate is quite pretty, if a bit more forward and delicate than I had frankly expected it to be. Sweet tobacco, cedar, dried cherries, menthol, herbs and rose petals add compelling shades of nuance. In 2004 the Brunate offers a little less depth and intensity than the other Barolos in the Vietti range, which makes me think it will age at a faster pace over the next decade or so, although it may very well hold at a plateau of maturity for some time beyond that.
Lazzarito - 95 points:
Vietti's 2004 Barolo Lazzarito has come along nicely over the last few years. Built on a core of dense, powerful Serralunga fruit, the 2004 remains deep and mysterious to the core. Sage, rosemary, lavender and tobacco add aromatic freshness that nicely balances the overt texture shaped by new French oak. The voluptuous, racy finish is a thing of beauty. During this era, the Lazzarito saw more French oak than the other Barolos in the range. That still comes through today, but there is little doubt the 2004 is absolutely impeccable in its balance.
Rocche - 97 points:
The 2004 Barolo Rocche is pure silk on the palate. Like so many 2004 Barolos I have had recently, the Rocche is a bit subdued, but its class is impossible to miss. Sweet floral and spice notes give the 2004 its aromatic lift. This is Rocche at its most classic. I still remember tasting this wine from cask. It was striking back then and is every bit as captivating on this night.
