2008 Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco, DOCG, Piedmont

92 pts - Antonio Galloni The 2008 Barolo Marcenasco is a pretty, up-front Barolo that is best enjoyed for its exuberant, open personality. It shows lovely delineation in its dark red fruit, smoke, licorice and spices. Today the French oak is a bit intrusive, suggesting the wine may not have quite enough stuffing to go the distance. That probably won't matter much, as most wines will long have been enjoyed by the time that becomes an issue. The juicy, fleshy style should remain appealing for at least a handful of years. With time in the glass the wine shows signs of increasing finesse, but I would still suggest drinking it sooner rather than later. Last tasted Apr 2012; Drink now -2020.