BEST VALUES.  Rich and vibrant, this red evokes black cherry, plum, earth, iron and spice flavors. Nicely balanced, with dense, integrated tannins lining the finish. Drink now through 2026. 6,700 cases made, 4,800 cases imported.

Packed with kirsch, the 2020 Barbera D'Alba Vigna Vecchia Scarrone has another gear, noted with lavender and black pepper. On the palate, it has a supple, silky mouthfeel, with blackberry, black cherry, crushed stones, and a floral perfume through the finish, as well as mineral persistence and ripe sweet tannins. Drink 2025-2035.

The 2018 Oratorio di San Lorenzo Riserva is reserved yet wonderfully floral, almost dusty in character, with pepper-tinged strawberries and roses offset by a hint of sweet spice. This is silky and pure in style with a pretty inner sweetness complicated by a core of brisk acidity as perfumed inner florals and depths of dark red fruit settle upon the senses. It tapers off lightly structured with sweet tannins yet finishes long, leaving a staining of tart wild berries and savory spice to taper off slowly. While quite finessed, an underlying power here will promise a long and steady maturation. That said, while already in the bottle for two years, the 2018 is still almost a year away from being released.

In my view the Barbaresco Masseria is the most under-the-radar wine at Vietti. I rarely see it talked about, and yet it has been quite impressive for a number of years. Beginning in 2018, the Masseria is made exclusively from a sizeable parcel in Roncaglie Vietti acquired from Socré. The 2018 Barbaresco Masseria Roncaglie is a captivating, layered wine full of character. Effusive aromatics make a strong opening impression. Rose petal, lavender, sage, blood orange and red berry fruit all run through this vibrant, focused Barbaresco. The 2018 is charming and nuanced from start to finish. This is the first vintage from a parcel that previously belonged to Socré. It's an impressive debut, to say the least. All this nervy Barbaresco needs is time.

The 2019 Barolo Monvigliero is stunning. What a wine. Rich, heady and explosive, the 2019 is a gorgeous, spherical Barolo that dazzles right out of the gate. Aromatically broad and expansive, the 2019 fleshes out beautifully in the glass. Bright red-toned fruit, orange zest, mint, spice and bright saline notes saturate the palate on the back end. The 2019 is a total stunner, even in this stage of youthful austerity. It comes across as a bit rustic compared to the 2018, but the final verdict on that won't be evident for at least a number of years. This is the first vintage that includes a second parcel in Monvigliero. In the cellar, one lot saw submerged cap maceration, the other did not.

This riserva shows dense aromas and flavors of brandy-soaked black cherries, clove, cinnamon and tobacco. It’s firm in feel, with smooth, polished tannins and tense acidity to lend a solid structure for the rich berry and heady spice flavors to spread out. 

Expressive, complex and long, despite its compact profile today. Delivers black cherry, blackberry, violet, mineral and tobacco flavors that prevail, while assertive yet refined tannins leave their mark on the lingering finish. Best from 2025 through 2042.

Here's a treat from Casanova di Neri. Aged in tonneaux for 30 months, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is fleshed out and rich with pretty layers of dark fruit, dried blackberry, spice and cured tobacco. There is a point of sour cherry in this vintage that folds into crushed flower, balsam herb, licorice and crushed stone. The bouquet is classic, but the Casanova di Neri magic touch comes through thanks to the wine's balance and pretty intensity. I can't, however, overlook a powerful 15% alcohol content that leaves its mark. This is a production of 67,740 bottles.