I opened a 2004 Barolo, Conca, Renato Ratti to tonight's dinner since I had enjoyed this wine very much when I tasted it when it was released about a year ago and now I was curious if it still was charmingly floral or if it maybe had closed down a bit.
Well, it showed almost as charming as during the previous tasting. Still that ethereal floral nose that is so typical of the 2004s from Piemonte. A very typical Nebbiolo nose, combining violets and mint, but there are also some woody notes of mushrooms that had started to emerge. Floral and fresh on the attack with a fine acidity. A peppery intensive taste with lovely fine-grained tannins that gave a chewable finish. A most charming and rather elegant wine. Very stylish. Not sure if it is for the long haul, but will definitely stay in shape for several years more. Its sibling, Rocche, is more heavily built and sturdy and not only can take, but also needs more time in the bottle, at least judging from last year's tasting.
Cheers,
Anders