I went to Il Grano restaurant in West Los Angeles a few days ago for dinner following a vertical tasting of L’Aventure winery in Paso Robles. Il Grano is the best Italian restaurant for me in Los Angeles. Sal Marino is very, very talented.

Anyway, I drank a half bottle of 2004 Roagna Barolo La Rocca e la Pira with a wonderful plate of grilled scallop, sea bass and Chanterelle mushroom on top of butter mash. The Barolo was so beautiful with delicate character, dried dark fruits, and minerals with hints of roses. It was medium to full body, with firm, polished tannins and a delicate finish. Bright acidity too. This was a wine that would be better in five years, but Sal’s dish brought the best out in it. 93 points. Find the wine.