After the first round of wines, JimDun took the floor and blasted us all with mucho vino Italiano. Up until that point, it all seemed like child's play...

Palagetto Brunello di Montalcino 1999

Really, really good Sangiovese drinking just velvety after five years in bottle.

Cabutto Barolo 'Vigna La Volta' 1999

Gritty, big, tannic, and fairly mighty. Dry as dry gets, and really not ready to approach. Old-World-ish style that old Italian guys like to collect. 6-10 more years, please...

Cabutto Barolo 'Vigna La Volta' 2000

Really good stuff in the $50 price range. A huge 180 from the '99 vintage. This one is easier-drinking with zippin' acids and nice big sweet-tart fruit.

Cabutto Barolo 'Tenuta La Volta'
Reserva del Fondatore 1997

Having been open for three days prior, this wine showed great purity of fruit and really, really firm structure. Probably a better overall bottle than the '98, but not drinking nearly as smooth or sweet right now.

Cabutto Barolo 'Tenuta La Volta'
Reserva del Fondatore 1998

Having tried a few Cabutto products, I would conjecture that for my money (thanks JimDun for your generous samplage) the most complete and gulp-able wine was the '98 Riserva 'Sarmassa'.