Aromas of mature black-skinned berries, cassis, cedar and toasted hazelnut lead the way. The concentrated, savory palate doles out blackberry jam, mocha, licorice and clove alongside fine-grained tannins. Thanks to the...

Mineral and tangy nose with a minty edge to the red berries and oranges. Lightly mossy and decadent, with an impressive mineral quality on the linear, medium-bodied palate. Really refined and composed with a long, juicy...

Perfumed, exuding aromas of rose, cherry, raspberry, anise and menthol, with the berry fruit persisting on the palate, along with mineral and wild herb flavors. Though expressive and balanced, this shows tannic grip and...

The 2018 Lessona is a wild, distinctive wine that captures all the exotic beauty of Nebbiolo in this appellation. Sweet dark cherry, orange peel, cinnamon, blood orange, sage and rose petal build effortlessly as this...

The wine rested in first- and second-use French oak barrels, and that influence seems a bit more obvious in this lighter vintage. The wine opens with scents of vanilla, cedar and spice that continue on the palate as the...

Racy red berries, blue fruit, dark earth and blue flowers on the nose with a tarry undertone. Broad, yet fluid and structured, with tight, chalky tannins driving the fruit to a sappy, mouthwatering finish. Long and...

Vallana's 2018 Boca is an old-school, super-classic wine. Firm tannins wrap around a core of macerated dark cherry, cinnamon, licorice, dried herbs and menthol. The 2018 needs a good decant. Readers will find a sturdy...

Vallana's 2018 Boca is an old-school, super-classic wine. Firm tannins wrap around a core of macerated dark cherry, cinnamon, licorice, dried herbs and menthol. The 2018 needs a good decant. Readers will find a sturdy...

Aromas of incense and potpourri figure prominently in this maturing red, whose fading cherry and berry flavors are matched by leather, tobacco and mineral accents. This ends with a light, dusty feel on the long, fresh...

This has mellowed nicely, featuring fading aromas and flavors of cherry, plum, spice, leather and tobacco. Complex and supple, this red delivers fine balance and a long, detailed, saline aftertaste. Drink now through...

A rich red, with good cut and hints of truffle, mineral and woodsy funk shading a core of cherry and raspberry fruit. Harmonious and firm, extending on the long, iron-tinged aftertaste. Ready to enjoy, yet should age at...

A fine and pretty Barolo with plenty of strawberry and mushroom character. White truffle, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied and creamy with medium, round tannins. Delicious now and will improve nicely.

Romano Marengo's Ca’ Rome’ 2018 Barbaresco Chiaramanti reveals a textured and soft approach with some ripe fruit and blackberry backed by spice and tarry smoke. The thick fiber of this mid-weight wine cedes to integrated...

The 2018 Barbaresco Rio Sordo is ample and creamy in feel. The fruit is a bit darker than in the Chiaramanti, while the presence of oak is greater as well. Black cherry, leather, spice, tobacco and menthol lend notable...

There’s an intense core of spicy red berries that runs through the wine in an uncluttered way. Medium-bodied with a lightly firm tannin framework and decent length. Not the most complex Barolo in their range this year...

Dense nose with licorice-tinged, crushed raspberries and blackberries. Full-bodied and full-fruited palate, then there’s a steady, velvety-tannin build through the long finish. Really well structured and polished. Showing...

The 2018 Barolo Ravera is a powerful, rustic wine. Wild cherry, cedar, leather, orange zest, tobacco, herbs, menthol, iron and game race across the palate. Austere and wild, the 2018 is an assertive Barolo that will...

A rush of aromas of tart sour cherries, still on the tree, turn heads. Notes of macerating raspberries, warmed roses, mixed spices and wild thyme all swirl in the glass of this beautiful Barolo. Each sniff rewards the...

The Giuseppe Mascarello 2018 Barolo Monprivato reveals an open and accessible personality. This wine is an immediate charmer. I tasted these wines with the Mascarello family seated across the table from me, and during our...

An incisive, elegant red marked by rose hip, strawberry, cherry, menthol and sweet, spicy oak aromas and flavors. Supported by a swath of chalky tannins, this is long and spicy in the end, with a core of sweet fruit. Best...

The 2018 Barolo Vite Talin was tasted alongside the 2019 at the estate and takes a slight edge over the 2019 at this stage. It’s a gorgeous and elegant vintage of this wine, crafted around a clone of Nebbiolo that Luciano...

Restrained spices, oak bark and licorice, with hints of dried cherries and flowers. Aromas are echoed on the palate. Tasty, savory, light and crunchy, with a juicy finish even if it’s a bit brief. Drink now.

Bright berries and a hint of pomegranate, together with damp chalk and some fern. Medium-bodied with a tight, focused palate and firm, light-grained tannins. Quite a racy feel to this now. Should broaden out with another...

Fresh berry and citrus notes on the nose, together with leafy aromas. Medium-bodied with a linear start to the palate, followed by a medium build of grainy tannin. A lighter structure this year, but there’s some good...

Freshly sliced strawberry and lemon aromas. Medium body, firm and silky tannins and a linear finish. Firm and racy. Drinkable now, but better in 2023.

Very enticing, almost incense-like nose, featuring ripe red berries, cranberries, roses and a blend of roasting spices. Medium-to full-bodied with a silky front-palate, then a light build of firm tannin. This shows good...

The 2018 Barbaresco Gaiun Martinenga is encompassing in its aromas, with enveloping notes of incense, raspberry, and spiced orange. It is medium-bodied but offers more richness of fruit through the palate, with ripe...

The 2018 Barbaresco Gaiun Martinenga is encompassing in its aromas, with enveloping notes of incense, raspberry, and spiced orange. It is medium-bodied but offers more richness of fruit through the palate, with ripe...