The Vietti 2020 Colli Tortonesi Timorasso Derthona (aged in a combination of oak and ceramic tile-lined cement) is a wine of nice tension and ample texture. These contrasting characteristics shape the wine, which is horizontal in approach with broad appeal. The bouquet delivers tones of orchard fruit, saffron, honey and crushed stone. This medium-bodied wine will evolve slowly over the next 10 years, transitioning to more mineral, beeswax and dried fruit aromas. Production is 9,000 bottles.

The 2019 Cabernet Franc Collio entices with a uniquely spicy bouquet that evokes Indian curries, incense and pipe tobacco before revealing a core of crushed raspberry. This is like pure silk on the palate, yet with a stimulating thrust of acidity that motivates it tart wild berry fruits. Pepper-tinged inner florals and saline minerality are left to mingle through the finale, as the 2019 finishes lightly structured and distinctly savory. This is Patience will be necessary.

Snappy acidity creates a clean-cut frame for the creamy mix of poached apricot, chamomile, salty mineral and mandarin orange peel aromas and flavors in this well-meshed, light-on-its-feet white. Drink now through 2027. 1,100 cases made, 200 cases imported.

At each tilt of the glass, the 2019 Podium reveals something new. Initially showing gingery spice, white smoke and yellow flower notes, it evolves into sour melon, young mango and wet stone aromas. Finally, it turns flinty, with crushed apples and raw almonds. The silky textures are almost glycerol-like, even though it is seemingly weightless in feel. It hovers above the senses while being propelled by vibrant acidity and saturating mineral tones, as ripe orchard fruits and inner florals cascade across the palate. It leaves you with an achingly youthful impression, the combination of structure and lingering notes of bitter grapefruit rind and granny smith apples. 2019 Podium is a classic in the making; and while it can be enjoyed today, the best is yet to come.

Full-bodied, with muscular tannins supporting a ripe and transparent core of dark cherry, plum and blueberry fruit. Balanced and well done for the vintage. Chewy. Drinkable now but better in a couple of years.  Second tasting.

Pretty aromas of lilac, white peach, wild herbs and lime zest interplay in the glass, creating a stunning mosaic of aromas. Lemon and lime zest with passion fruit and crushed chalk give the palate a balance between fruit and minerality. The wine finishes with bright and fresh acidity. 

The 2022 Rosato Kómaros is airy and spicy, wafting up with a blend of crushed rocks, wild herbs and ginger-tinged berries. This is racy, sleek and full of zesty tension, with vibrant acidity guiding its mineral-tinged orchard fruits effortlessly across the palate. The 2022 cleans up beautifully through the finish, sizzling upon the senses with sour citrus.

There’s something intriguing, alluringly dark, earthy – animal, even – yet floral and packed full of rich black fruits and exotic spices that defines the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto. This impresses with its cool-toned dark berries and minerals, complemented by bright acidity and sweet inner herbal tones. It’s not yet ready to reveal all of its charms, though it drops subtle hints each step of the way. A bitter twang keeps the expression lively and fresh, while grippy tannins saturate deeply and leave the palate aching with youthful tension, as notes of licorice, clove and a hint of ginger linger. What a wine!