The 2001 Barolo Rocche is a huge wine. The baby fat has dropped off, while the aromatics are just starting to show signs of early tertiary complexity. There is more than enough fruit and sheer density to allow the 2001 to drink well for another 10-15 years. If opened today the wine needs time. Crushed flowers, autumn leaves, spices and tobacco lead to more exotic notes of orange peel, rose petals and pomegranate. There is no question the Rocche is Vietti’s grandest of grand crus. This is a dazzling showing. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2031.
These 2001s were made during a transitionary period in Vietti’s history. I was quite pleased to see the wines show so well after the more mixed 2000s I tasted last year. As good as these 2001s are, it is also pretty clear Vietti has since moved comfortably into the upper echelon of Barolo producers, something that wasn’t the case a decade ago. In a lot of ways, the 2001s are the vintage that marks Vietti’s ascension to superstar status. I remember first tasting these wines when they had been bottled, but weren’t yet released. They were impressive then and they are just as impressive today. Vietti fans might also be interested in a recent vertical of the flagship Villero Riserva, which includes my thoughts on the 2001, and that we recently posted on www.erobertparker.com
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