An enticing expression of cherry, plum, licorice, earth and spice flavors, this red delivers both poise and power, showing breadth and harmony. Lingers on the finish with plum, spice and mineral notes. Best from 2027 through 2046.

The 2020 Barbera d'Asti La Crena is soft and voluptuous from the outset. In this vintage, La Crena is especially forward and fruit-driven. The 2020 will need at least a few years for the classic La Crena aromas and flavors to emerge fully. Hints of gravel, crushed rocks and dried herbs linger, hinting at what is to come. La Crena usually blossoms with time in bottle. I won't at all be surprised if that happens here as well.

The Tenuta Scerscé 2019 Valtellina Superiore Inferno Nebbiolo Flammante is an elegantly slim and lithe expression, with a very fine filigree of aromas that rise delicately from the bouquet. There is redcurrant and wild plum, but perhaps the aromas that leave the longest impression are the floral tones of rose and lilac. With time, a lactic aroma of spicy Pecorino cheese also comes forward.

HISTORICAL RE-RELEASE.  Masses of crushed black cherries, plum sauce, grilled herbs and worn leather are offset by a hint of graphite as the 2013 Carmignano Villa di Capezzana Dieci Anni slowly awakens in the glass. Seductively silky and enveloping, it coats the palate with ripe red and blue fruits, excited by a tinge of sour citrus. Rosy inner florals form toward the close. This is sultry and staining through the finish as adolescent tannins grumble, yet the mouth is left watering for more, leaving notes of dark chocolate and espresso bean to slowly fade. The 2013 is steadily moving toward maturity, with many years of positive development ahead.

Talc, pumice, sage, lemon rind and mint. Tight and demur. While this site is mainly clay, it is very steep and high at around 350 meters. The feel is of somewhere considerably cooler. Minerally, taut and long in the dry, pithy finish. This is excellent. Drink now.

Some sweet-vanilla notes now to the savory oranges, tar and cranberries. A full-bodied nebbiolo that feels expansive, yet it’s ethereal on the palate with lots of firm, sandblasted tannins. Long and juicy. Needs two years to allow the tannins and the oak to integrate more. Will shine with time. Drink from 2024.