The 2004 Cristal is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay

The palate is full-bodied with a burly

pure and highly complex red berry fruit aromas nuanced by a hint of iron oxide (a rusty earth character) that precedes rich

Supple and appealingly sweet

Some riper plum and spiced figs on the nose with dark coal smoke

Elio Altare, Barolo Arborina Vintage:2005 The 2004 Cristal is 60%The 2010 Barolo Arborina shows a strong fruit profile with cherry and cassis that sets it apart from the 2009 vintage that is extremely generous in floral tones of crushed flower and rose. This expression shows great power and substance with 20 to 30% new oak. This is a precise and sharp wine with a heightened sense of focus and definition that is backed by pretty mineral shadings. Hold this wine ten years or more. Drink, 2017 2035.