2005 - Barolo Cannubi S.Lorenzo Ravera, Giuseppe Rinaldi

The 2005 Barolo Cannubi S. Lorenzo-Ravera is one of the most searingly tannic, austere wines of the vintage. Bright, incisive and tightly wound, the 2005 is going to need another decade or so to soften, even then I am not sure it will be an especially pleasurable wine, as the spiking acidity and intense tannins both are overpowering. Readers who want to understand what old-school Barolo is all about should check out the 2005, a wine that serves as a poignant reminder as to how much things have changed over the last decade. Revisited after twelve hours, the 2005 has become civilized, as the fruit fills out the frame to balance the tannins. Readers should plan on cellaring the 2005 or on opening it far in advance.