Medium red brick-colored, the 2018 Barolo Docg Ravera Riserva Vigna Elena offers a sweet floral perfume of rose petals, potpourri, candied raspberries, sweet sage, and fresh rosemary. Medium-bodied, it has mouthwatering freshness and a more linear and focused feel, with highly refined tannins, mouthwatering acidity, a saline mineral undertone that floats through the palate, and a long finish. It’s only going to improve with time and will be best enjoyed 2027-2050.<!--more-->Elvio Cogno founded his eponymous estate in 1991, after working for 30 years in partnership with Marcarini with the labels of Cogno-Marcarini. Originally from Novello, he had an opportunity to purchase the winery farmhouse, Cascina Nuova, located in the commune of Novello, in the heart of the Ravera Cru (MGA). That same year, he put Ravera on the map by producing the first-ever bottling of Barolo labeled as Ravera. They currently operate and own 16 hectares of vines, 11 of which are within the Cru of Ravera, and the remaining 5 hectares are parcels around the Novello Comune. Today the estate is run by Elvio’s son-in-law, Valter Fissore, and his daughter Nadia, who took over in 1996. In the vineyards, they continue to push forward, working to improve vineyard health and implement organic farming practices while adapting to the region's changing climate conditions. The total annual production is approximately 120,000 bottles. Their key holdings include the pre-phylloxera Barbera sourced from Berri on the western edge of La Morra, from 130-year-old vines. They survive because of the sandier soils and the cooler microclimate, which sees more wind coming off the river to the west. Less than 2000 bottles are produced each year. The Barolo from Bricco Pernice is a warmer microclimate within Ravera, as it is sheltered from the winds coming off the mountains, with soils that are a higher proportion of limestone compared to the other plots within Ravera. Bricco Pernice is entirely composed of the Lampia clone of Nebbiolo. Also within Ravera, Elvio planted Vigna Elena in 1991, the same year Valter and Nadia’s daughter Elena was born. It is a triangle-shaped parcel, uniquely planted exclusively to the Rose clone of Nebbiolo, whereas the rest of their Nebbiolo vines are composed of Michet and Lampia clones. In 2005, they had the opportunity to work with Bordini in Neive to begin producing their Barbaresco.

The Elvio Cogno 2018 Barolo Riserva Ravera Vigna Elena (with 4,000 bottles made) reveals light tertiary definition with smoky tar, underbrush, crushed flower, dried cooking herbs, river reed and button mushroom. The pretty evolution of this wine underlines the high tones, and the wine has lost its baby fat. The fine tannins are polished and glossy.

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 next. Lifted, with a gracefulness that most wines dream of, the palate shines with fresh cranberry, strawberry and hints of red plum jam with a touch anise and clove. Fine tannins run through the wine keep the tension as mouthwatering acidity ensures that the palate remains engaged in explore each and every drop of wine until the bottle is empty. Drink now - 2050 — Jeff Porter

This is a sleek, savory and sophisticated Barolo. Medium-bodied, packing in notes of sour cherries, orange peel, mahogany and hints of balsamic, all framed by silky tannins. Transparent character to it. Delicious already, but better from 2026.

Elegant, expressive, linear and firmly built, this red reveals strawberry, cherry, rose hip, eucalyptus, juniper, iron and salty flavors. Lithe and nimble, with a line of resonant tannins on the finish. Best from 2025 through 2042. 335 cases made, 100 cases imported.

The 2018 Barolo Riserva Ravera Vigna Elena is a lifted, ethereal wine. Dried cherry, tobacco, incense, dried flowers, spice and leather open first, supported by beams of Ravera acid and tannin. In 2018 the Vigna Elena is not quite as sensual as it can be, but that is 2018 after all.