2000 Cantina Vignaioli (Elvio Pertinace) Barbaresco “Marcarini” Bottle #2

This bottle was better than the first for some reason...much smoother, with more intense licorice and berry character than the first bottle. We drank this bottle with a truffle risotto made with white truffles that I picked up from the Santa Monica Farmer's Market. Although not from Italy (from Northern California) and small, they were only 240$ a pound, instead of 300$ an ounce like the real white truffles from Alba. The truffles are not as good--they have a powerful aroma, but a much more subtle taste. For 15$ though? Who cares? It was rad, and this wine went great with it. We also had a salad with arugula from the market, truffle oil, truffle cheese, and some tomatoes.