Ceretto, Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) 2009

This is heady stuff, with very dark color and soaring aromas recalling dark cherry liqueur.  The fruit shows very deep flavors but retains a softness of texture that is very appealing.  There’s a notable dose of new-ish oak in the finish, but neither the tannin nor the wood foreshorten the finish, which is persistent and very nicely balanced.