Made with organically farmed grapes, this offers enticing aromas of camphor, blue flower, new leather and dark spice. The smooth, delicious palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and tobacco framed in taut, fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2027.

This is one of my sweetheart wines from Castiglione Falletto. The Vietti 2018 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is beautifully etched and sharp with an especially delineated quality that is uncommon in this vintage. Fruit comes from a small 8,000-square-meter parcel, and like the other wines in this cru series from Vietti, it ages in oak casks for two years. The wine's texture is beautifully smooth and polished thanks to the carefully integrated tannins. Only 3,693 bottles were made.

Grown via the historic pergola method this unique vineyard produces a Soave with aromas of fleshy yellow peach, jasmine, white tea and crushed stones. The palate is structured and built to age with flavors of tart green apple, citrus and a mineral edge on the finish. Drink now-2035.

The 2014 Vinsanto Riserva is a dark amber color in the glass. Spiced orange peels, dusty dried flowers, cloves and baked pears follow a mesmerizing mix of shaved cedar and pine. Frankly, there’s something new each time I return to the glass. This floods the palate with ample weight while showing a sweet and sour mix of vanilla custards, toffee, candied citrus and salted almond, which adds amazing contrasts. This lingers impossibly long yet incredibly fresh, repleting its aromatics throughout as hints of hazelnut and cocoa fade. The 2014 Vinsanto Riserva makes for a fantastic wine experience that should not be missed.

Pi not Bianco, Friulano, Sauvignon Blanc and Ribolla Gialla blend from the ponca or flysch marl soil of Collio, which brings to the wine a marvellous vibrancy and minerality that matches well with the wine's concentration. Subtle toasty aromas with rose and peach skin, a marine influence and bright fern scents. Soft, smooth, dense and rich, supported by elegant lifted acidity. The finish is still oaky, but your patience will be rewarded. Drink 2024-2040 Ale 13.5%

A multifaceted red, featuring cherry, strawberry, floral, iron, tobacco and oak spice aromas and flavors. Just when you think this is ready to enjoy, the firm, dense structure engages, leaving a stiff, if long, finish. Best from 2025 through 2042.

Grapefruit and thyme with a sweeter note of lemon curd and just a hint of pencil eraser on the nose open up onto a palate of mixed citrus and toasted almonds, with a rich mouthfeel balanced by the salty, acidic finish.

BEST 50 WINES 2022

Psst, here’s a secret. Friuli has some of the most expressive Sauvignon Blanc on the planet. There was a point in this region’s history where “international” varieties were more prominent than their native grapes. And while they did the work to bring those back, Friulian winemakers took varieties like Sauvignon Blanc (Merlot, Cabernet Franc) and coaxed a new kind of balance out of them. Some of the best of this grape comes from here, like this beautiful example from Russiz (Roo-seez). Bright and mineral-driven with minimal fruit, this wine is about texture. The palate is a study in balance with excellent acidity and just the right grip. It is very Friulian, and you may have a hard time sharing.