Extremely perfumed and pretty with flowers, citrus fruit, and cherries. Full body, a super-refined center palate, polished and refined tannins and a long and subtle finish. A beauty.

Ceretto's 2013 Barolo Brunate shows dark garnet luminosity with subtle hues of cooked brick at the rims. By appearance alone, this is a very inviting Barolo. The bouquet is a bit softer and more delicate in this vintage. The wine shows a beautiful side of the usually more potent and austere Brunate cru. Following in a similar theme, the mouthfeel is lightly layered and nuanced. The yielding tannins make this wine slightly more accessible, although it is also built for long aging should that be your preference. The wine is versatile and approachable in the medium term as well.

Aromas of menthol, red berry, coffee and blue flower waft from the glass along with whiffs of chopped aromatic herb. The aromas follow through to the velvety palate along with Marasca cherry, raspberry and licorice. Firm, fine-grained tannins provide a structured framework.

Leafy, tar and earth aromas and flavors give way to cherry, licorice and oak spice notes with a little air. Vibrant, full of fruit and perfume, with muscular tannins. Shows excellent length but patience is required.

Like the Prapo, the Barolo Brunate is much less expressive than it was immediately after bottling. Gracious and super-classic in feel, the Brunate has a lot to offer. In the glass, the wine is delicate and sensual. Even so, its best days are far off into the future. The Brunate is the least expressive of Ceretto's 2013 Barolos today. Then again, that is Brunate.