There is a little more savoriness here, showing contained power. Tar and dark minerality. Plenty of forest berries, dried orange peel, frozen grapefruit and raspberries. Very structured and full-bodied, with firm, chewy tannins rendering the bold austere quality to the wine. But at the end, this is focused and taut, with a crunchy, spicy finish full of length. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drinkable now if you are willing to embrace austerity, but this should be better from 2027.

Aromas of a fresh basket of cherries, strawberries and raspberries all dripping with their own juices, leaps from the glass of this sensory overload of a wine, but in a good way). Subtle hints of rose and wild herbs emerge as the wine develops in the glass. Electric on the palate with fresh wild berries on center stage with hints of mint and savory herbs as backup and vibrant bubbles that lift the palate to ready it for the next sip. A great aperitivo, and a must with cured meats.

2022 James Suckling Top 100 Italian Wines  #45.  

The freshness and firmness of this young 2017 Barbaresco is impressive. The wine is tight and reserved, but suggests greatness, offering cherries, dark cherries, dried flowers and crushed stones. Intense tannins. This is a wine for the cellar. Give it five or six years of bottle age. Try after 2027.

Made with air-dried grapes, the Tenuta Scerscé 2018 Sforzato di Valtellina Nebbiolo Infinito opens to a medium-dark color and moderate fruit weight that feels velvety, rich and open-knit. The sforzato, or appassimento, process brings on extra heft and intensity for sure, but the Nebbiolo grape never loses its inner grace and poise. Aromas of dried rose, wild cherry, plum and sweet earth rise from the bouquet. A pretty layer of cured tobacco gives the wine a more fleshed-out feel on the close.

Another brilliant expression, reflecting a culture of kaleidoscopic blending to attain a greater whole: tank and oak (no new) ferments, partly induced and spontaneous, all at once. Rapier-like precision, depth and weight, without any excess or obvious winemaking artefact perceivable. Mid-weighted, yet intense, reeling off notes of smoked almond, stone fruit allusions, pickled mango and kumquat. The finish is impressively pliant and majestically long.

The library release 2013 Carmignano Villa di Capezzana Dieci Anni is a total pleasure on the nose, finely detailed with rich plum sauce and crushed cherry notes complicated by flowery underbrush, mint and old cedar spice box hints. It's supple and silky on the palate, with juicy acidity enlivening its ripe red fruits as a flourish of rosy inner florals and cedar evolve toward the close. While still lightly structured with adolescent tannins, the 2013 is so enjoyable today, tapering off with licorice and confectionary spice echoing that linger on and on. There's no harm in cracking open bottles today or losing them in the cellar to enjoy over the next decade.

Beautiful nose of white peaches, mangoes, jasmine, waxed grapefruit, thyme and hints of salted sourdough. Distinct salty, ashy minerality. It’s medium-bodied, vibrant and textured. Stony and crisp, yet creamy and flavorful throughout. Serious Soave. The second vintage from an old-vine selection from the historic, volcanic Monte Foscarino vineyards. Drink now or hold.

This Barolo from the renowned Brunate cru captivates with its youthful energy, showcasing a vibrant bouquet of tart sour cherries, unripe raspberries and an enticing medley of medicinal herbs. On the palate, a classic structure emerges, framed by firm, finegrained tannins that support the wine's delicate red fruit flavors, subtle earthiness and hints of dried rose petals. With its polished elegance, this Barolo is poised to develop even greater complexity over time. Drink 2025-2045.