The 2020 Barbera d'Alba Scarrone Vigna Vecchia captures all the magic of the old vines in this Castiglione Falletto cru. Black cherry, plum, licorice, incense, melted road tar and spice all meld together in a Barbera of uncommon complexity, power and elegance. Here, too, the purity of the flavors is nothing short of compelling.

More structured, the 2019 Barolo Brunate has more depth and richness, possibly because the Brunate has a more southwest exposition. It is ripe with strawberry, spice, and pressed flowers and is more monumental in its gripping ripe tannins, with black tea, black raspberry, and turned soil. This can stand up to more substantial fare at the dinner table. Hold it another couple of years and drink 2026-2046.

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The fruit of this wine comes from the Dolomites, part of the ancient Alps in northern Italy. They're so ancient that these mountains were once under the sea. This means that to this day, fossils are often found in vineyards as farmers tend to the vines. This, along with the high elevation and sun, results in vibrant, crisp wines, especially white wines like this. This wine is a great way to enjoy this region.Building upon natural acidity with crisp, vibrant flavors, this is a great showcasing of mountain fruit and an ideal way to explore the Veneto region. It is easy and uncomplicated while being extremely balanced with bracing acidity and good medium fruit to complement a sunny day with good friends.

Lushly textured, fresh and harmonious, this red features cherry, plum, sanguine, mineral and herbal aromas and flavors. The finish is persistent, leaving a savory impression. Sangiovese, Colorino and Canaiolo. Best from 2024 through 2032. 2,100 cases made, 200 cases imported.

The 2019 Carmignano Villa di Capezzana is youthfully poised with dusty rose, dried black cherries and a burnt orange zest forming its bouquet. This washes across the palate with silky textures and ripe red fruits, gaining tension through a mix of saline-tinged acidity and sour citrus notes. Its tannins come on strong through the finale, coupled with a saturation of primary concentration and mineral tones as petty inner florals slowly fade. The 2019 is packed full of potential but will require patience.

The 2021 Sauvignon Collio from Russiz Superiore shows the dimension the region can produce in the variety. The wine has a great balance of fruit, herbs, and minerals — less racy and “grassy” than Sauvignon from New Zealand and more like some of those from France’s Loire Valley. Flavors of green apple, apricot, and lemon-lime are accented by touches of flinty mineralogy and herbs like sage and thyme. There’s a bit of creamy softness on the long finish, a reflection of aging on the lees and a small percentage of the grapes fermented in oak barrels. Aging takes place in stainless steel tanks. It is a highly versatile wine that can be enjoyed with lots of simple fish and shellfish dishes, roast chicken, and vegetable-based risottos and pastas. it’s more expensive than many of the countless Sauvignons you’ll find from just about every corner of the wine world. But the price is offset by the fact that this is a singular Sauvignon Blanc that’s among the world’s best.

Subtle and minerally nose with a some chalky lemons, bitter almonds and green apples. Quite a saline, medium-bodied palate with an austere and bone-dry finish. Drink now.

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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.