Barolo and Barbaresco

[scimmiatinit]

Dear JohnG of course it' s just my personal opinion but please don't give up with Barolo and Barbaresco...
as to the "best that Italy has to offer"..I would say "some of the best that Italy has to offer"...
for sure very typical indeed !
so GO ON and buy one of the great traditional producers of Barolo(I don't know if You can find Mascarello or Conterno)and keep it for a special occasion in the following 5 to 10 years
..or if You are lucky and want to spend maybe a little more buy an "old" one (eighties)and drink it right now !
They are not "easy" and often very personal in style but I am sure they will bring to You a memorable scent of the wonderful Piemonte ...