G.D. Vajra, Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) 2015

 This excellent producer turned in the best of three performances from the Bricco Delle Viole cru in 2015, as this shows a complex bouquet with savory notes intertwined with a whiff of toasty oak and the promise of sweet fruit.  On the palate, the promise of fruity sweetness is indeed delivered, along with firm but balanced tannins that seem mostly derived from fruit rather than wood.  Clearly an excellent wine, the sole shortcoming here is a bit of alcoholic heat in the finish.