Wow. Incredible purity and transparency with cherries, bark, mushroom, flower and slate/stone on the nose. Full-bodied yet agile and fresh with a fine tannin structure that runs the length of the wine and goes on forever. The polish, elegance and grace is breathtaking. Power with agility. A revelation for the 2016 vintage in Brunello. Drink in 2024 and onwards but wonderful to taste now.

The 2019 Barolo Brunate is a powerhouse. Black cherry, plum, spice, lavender, mocha, gravel and scorched earth all build as this virile, potent Barolo struts its stuff. The Brunate is another super-impressive wine in this range. To be perfectly honest, the Brunate has never been one of my favorite wines here, but the 2019 is undeniably great. Perhaps the combination of parcels Vietti has today explains the multi-dimensional vibrancy that comes through. This is simply magnificent.

Intensely spicy and complex, the 2019 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Le Caggiole smolders up from the glass with a bouquet of crushed ashen stones, dried black cherries, cedar spice box and rosemary. This is pure elegance, deep and textural, with a dense wave of ripe red and black fruits that rush across a core of salty minerals and brisk acidity. It finishes long and structured, with a lingering concentration promising steady evolution. This is the best rendition of Le Caggiole that I've ever tasted. A wine for the cellar.

Top 50 Wines of 2022 #17

Vietti has been in the village of Castiglione Falletto since the beginning of the nineteenth century. Over time, they have gradually selected the best vineyards to grow Nebbiolo and showcase them in individually, showing the diversity of this grape and their terroir. This is a great entry into the world of Vietti with their Barolo. It has everything you want from this variety. Rose petal and cherries waft up from the glass with a luscious palate of seamlessly interwoven tannins adding complexity and layers to the wine. It's balanced and delicious,    it delights the palate with every sip, begging for food. This is a steal....Priced at just over $50,

The 2019 Soave Classico I Palchi Foscarino Grande Cuvée shows more orange oils than lemon with exotic florals and wet stone. It’s amazingly textural and deep with a candied hint to its vibrant orchard fruits. This is less minerally forward and instead richer than the rest of the portfolio, even showing a bit of almond paste that complements the ripe orchard fruits within. The finale is long and staining, leaving primary concentration and nuanced tannins. Through it all, remarkable freshness is maintained. This is Inama’s new super selection that's matured all in 2nd and 3rd-pass twelve-hectoliter casks. It has a large-scaled feel, yet it should age effortlessly.

A refined, silky red marked by a mix of rose, strawberry, cherry, eucalyptus and white pepper aromas and flavors. Shows ample structure and fine intensity as this builds to a long, dusty, mineral-tinged finish. Harmonious, firm and fresh. Best from 2026 through 2042. From Italy.

The southeastern Italian region of Puglia is often thought of as one of the most important territories for rosato in the country. Several grapes are used to produce the various styles; this one from Masseria Li Veli is produced entirely from Negroamaro. Medium-deep orange in color, this offers delightful perfumes of orange peel, currant and orange roses. There is very good acidity, which helps preserve acidity and freshness and the finish is round and quite delicious. Enjoy this over the next 2-3 years.

The 2019 vintage is made from 90% Sangiovese blended with 10% Colorino, Canaiolo and Ciliegiolo.  It was aged for 12 months in large (528-660 gal) French and Austrian oak casks, and three months in bottle.  The color is ruby.  Aromas are red cherry and strawberry layered with savory spices and vanilla.  It is light bodied and lively with tangy acidity and ripe, grainy tannins.  There is a touch of pleasant bitterness in the finish, which clears the palate.  The current generation of the Stucchi Prinetti family, Emanuela, Paolo and Roberto are running the winery which was created in 1846 and became commercial in 1957.  Roberto is the winemaker with consultant Maurizio Castelli.  Their goal is a natural expression of Sangiovese with lightness and balance, but also food friendly and readily enjoyable.