Classy and sophisticated wine with toasty and stony aromas, together with lemon peel, oranges, quince and ferns. Medium-bodied yet weighty, with vibrant acidity balancing the strength. Long, silky finish of toast and white chocolate. Outstanding. Drink or hold.

Made entirely with organically farmed Garganega grapes, the 2023 La Rocca entices with aromas of yellow stone fruit, wild herb, Spanish broom and oak-driven spice. Fermented and aged in French tonneaux and 20-30% in large Slavonian casks, the elegantly structured, creamy palate features ripe peach, apricot, lemon drop and honeyed almond before closing on hints of butterscotch and a dollop of vanilla. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink through 2031.

(94+ points) Celebrating its milestone 45th anniversary (1978–2023), the Pieropan 2023 Soave Classico La Rocca shines with golden intensity and offers a compelling bouquet that draws from both the character of Garganega and from careful oak aging. This 100% Garganega is aged in 500-liter French and Slavonian oak for 15 months. Varietal tones include stone fruit, preserved lemon and crushed oyster shell. Oak nuances of nutmeg and saffron add framing and depth. La Rocca is a five-hectare site with limestone soils, and 45,000 bottles were made. The Pieropan family knows its stuff. Happy anniversary. - Monica Larner