"The 2005 Barolo Vigna d-La Roul is one of the darker and firmer Barolos in this line-up. Today the wine remains incredibly primary, with little aromatic complexity. Over time, subtle notes of tar, dark fruit, spices and licorice emerge, but the wine stands out for its generous, harmonious core of fruit that works as a wonderful counterpoint to the firm tannins. This is a beautiful and very complete Barolo. Like all of the estate's wines, it only needs time. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030.

This is an impressive set of new releases from Rocche dei Manzoni. The 2005 Barolos are especially of note. As I mentioned in my reviews of the estate's 2004s last year, toast levels have come down in a meaningful way, which has resulted in Barolos that feel much more classic than was the case just a few years ago." — Robert Parker, 94 pts