Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco 2006

Dark, saturated ruby with an aromatic presence that announces itself immediately, black raspberry, currant, tar and licorice in a classic Barolo register. Full-bodied and richly fruited, with a sweetness of ripe fruit held in check by firm, purposeful acidity. Still somewhat buttoned-up at this stage, but the tannins that build across the finish are broad and polished rather than rough, impressive in their scale. Ratti held back bottling until late August, waiting for the vintage's naturally hard tannins to find better equilibrium, a patient call that paid off. Give it time; this is a wine that rewards cellaring.