The 2021 Rosato Montepulciano Kómaros wafts up to show dusty rose, sweet melon and minty herbs. This impresses, with its soft textures contrasted by a reverberation of zesty acids and sour citrus tones; yet through it all, a vivid note of ripe yellow apple resides at its core. The 2021 Kómaros tapers off with tension, leaving behind mineral-tinged orchard fruits and a hint of blood orange. Garofoli knocked it out of the park with this Montepulciano Rosato.

Coming from a cru that lies in close proximity to the Tanaro river and can ripen a bit earlier, the 2020 Barbaresco Roncaglie offers an attractive and supple bouquet of dried strawberries, herbes de Provence, dusty earth, and fennel. Medium-bodied and approachable, it has fine tannins, an elegant feel, and a clean finish. It is already showing well and will have a wide window for enjoyment over the next 10-12 years.

The 2020 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Asinone holds the attention firmly with a mentholated mix of crushed blackberries, cedar shavings and a cocoa dusting. This smooths across the palate with soft and plaint textures and ripe wild berry fruits as a gentle coating of sweet tannins mounts toward the close. The 2020 leaves the palate stained with primary concentration, finishing long. This warm vintage Asinone will be the perfect option while waiting for the more structured vintages to mature.

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.

The 2020 Sor Ugo is packed with blackberry, cloves, leather, menthol, licorice and chocolate. Rich and resonant in the glass, with tons of energy, Sor Ugo has plenty to offer. The substantial, expansive finish is especially of note. I would prefer to drink this over the next decade or so.

The 2021 Barbera d'Alba Scarrone Vigna Vecchia is endowed with tremendous depth and resonance. Black cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and chocolate are all dialed up to the maximum. The Vigna Vecchia is the most extracted of the Vietti Barberas. As such, it also retains the clearest link to the wines of the past. It's a fine effort to be sure, but it is not meaningfully better than the straight Scarrone.

More lift is on display in the aromas of the 2019 Barolo Rocche Di Castiglione, with medicinal herbs, menthol, red raspberry, and a more cooling effect. The tannin structure is finer as well, with more drying sensation, fresh acidity, and more. From a southeast exposition that has more ventilation, I personally prefer this wine to the others from Vietti. It is not lacking in complexity. Drink 2025-2045 and beyond.