2017 Poderi Oddero Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (750ml)

TASTING NOTES:   Intense flavors of black currant and black cherry are shaded by iron, tar and tobacco in this toned yet powerful red. This is balanced, though needs time to absorb the dense, chalky tannins. The aftertaste extends the fruit element, along with mineral and tobacco accents. Best from 2023 through 2045. -Wine Spectator, 96 pts   The Oddero family suggests tasting their single-vineyard Baroli in this order: Villero, Rocche di Castiglione, Brunate and Bussia. Starting off with the 2016 Barolo Villero, you get an open-knit but very precise expression in which the Nebbiolo grape is able to show its delicate nuances of wild cherry, rose hip, pressed violet and cola. The wine is silky and graceful. This Villero hits all the magic spots in the classic 2016 vintage. It should be exciting to chart its progression over time. Drink: 2023-2045 -Wine Advocate, 95 pts   Aromas and flavors of strawberries, cherries and walnuts are well-integrated into a medium body with round, fine tann