Antonio Galloni writes in Wine Advocate: "Poderi Colla has produced a big, masculine wine with their 2004 Barolo Bussia Dardi/Le Rose. Huge, brooding aromas of scorched earth, spices and tobacco lead to rich, complex layers of dried figs, plums and prunes that gradually open on the palate. This impressively endowed, exciting Barolo closes with a long, sweet finish, yet it needs a minimum of a few years of bottle age to fully come together. Fermentation takes place in cement, where the wine remains until the Spring, when it is racked into medium and large casks of various sizes. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026." 

It’s not too often that one estate has such prestigious vineyards in both Barbaresco and Barolo but, then again, we’re talking about the Collas, one of the Langhe’s modern first families.   This bottling from their 17 acre holding in Monforte’s famed Bussia vineyard is a knockout.  Powerful, substantial wine, with the grip and focus that embodies Monforte, it’s packed with spice, earth, flowers and dried fruits, cherry and fig among them.  It will enjoy a long life in the cellar (this we can guarantee) but due to the outstanding quality of the harvest could be enjoyed now with a bracing winter meal if you’re such a glutton for punishment.  Big 93 pts from Galloni, this is real Barolo.