Wine Enthusiast (96)

Truffle, camphor violet and ripe berry aromas come together on this fragrant red. Full-bodied and full of flavor, the delicious palate doles out juicy Morello cherry, raspberry compote, baking spice and star anise while firm, refined tannins provide support. Bright acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2027–2039.

Wine Enthusiast (96)

Aromas of new leather, menthol, licorice and dark-skinned berry shape the nose on this perfumed red. Juicy and savory, the radiant palate delivers succulent black cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and cinnamon set against a backbone of firm, fine-grained tannins. It's vibrant, balanced and youthfully tense, with nervous acidity. Drink 2029–2039.

Emanating from the botanical grandeur of Italy's northern Piedmont region, the exquisite Francesco Brigatti, Colline Novaresi, Motziflon Nebbiolo 2017 is a testament to masterful viticulture. This delicate Nebbiolo - named 'Motziflon' for its common vernacular meaning 'small fire' - is grown on hillsides blessed with pebbly alluvial soils and a temperate climate, which fosters a unique complexity and intensity in the wine. Crafted meticulously by the skilled artisan Francesco Brigatti, a practitioner revered for his dedication to sustainable production and meticulous, low-yield cultivation, this offering is an authentic embodiment of tradition and precision.

Abundant in red fruit flavours with layers of wild herbs and hints of violet in the bouquet, this medium-bodied Nebbiolo provides a lingering finish teeming with subtle spice notes and sensations of fine-grained tannins. An exemplary display of utmost craftsmanship and terroir expression, Francesco Brigatti, Colline Novaresi, Motziflon Nebbiolo 2017 is ideal for those seeking the quintessence of Italian wine culture.

The Francesco Brigatti, Ghemme, Oltre il Bosco 2016 is a remarkable superb Italian red wine, crafted with an artisanal touch in the renowned region of Piedmont. Produced by third-generation winemaker Francesco Brigatti and mature in oak barrels for 36 months, this wine is testament to his time-honoured winemaking techniques.

The Ghemme, Oltre il Bosco is a Nebbiolo-dominant blend, exhibiting refined layers of red fruit, nuanced by hints of spice and a toasted earthiness. This fine wine stands as a celebration of the terroir's granite soil, gentle undulations and temperate micro-climate. Its beautiful balance of acidity and tannins contribute to a long, pleasurable finish.

As a limited production wine, each bottle of Francesco Brigatti, Ghemme, Oltre il Bosco 2016 embodies the passion of the vintner and the spirit of the locality, making it a perfect choice for discerning collectors and connoisseurs of fine Italian wines.

Vinous (89)

The 2019 Barbera d'Alba is a fabulous every-day wine. Floral aromatics and red berry fruit grace this airy yet flavorful Barbera from Fratelli Alessandria. The 2019 is not a powerhouse, but it is supremely delicious and very easy to like.

Vinous (91+)

Now with a few months in bottle, Alessandria's 2014 Barolo is a real powerhouse. Smoke, scorched earth, tobacco, menthol, licorice and wild cherry all convey an impression of gravitas, as this potent, muscular Barolo shows off its personality. The 2014 has quite a bit of density and richness at this level. I won't be surprised if it turns out even better than this note suggests. There is so much going on here.

Wine Enthusiast (96)

Rose, woodland berry, pine forest and culinary spice are just some of the aromas you'll find on this fragrant, fantastic red. Smooth, full-bodied and polished, the savory palate delivers ripe red cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and white pepper alongside velvety tannins. Fresh acidity keeps bright.

Wine Enthusiast (94)

Wild red berry, camphor, truffle and dark spice aromas form the inviting nose. Elegantly structured, the savory palate also has youthful tension, delivering ripe Morello cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and tobacco blend set against taut, fine-grained tannins. Give it a few more years to fully develop. Drink 2024–2031.

Wine Advocate (95+)

The 2015 Barolo Gramolere (with fruit from Monforte d'Alba) opens to a medium-dark ruby color. When you put the wine to your lips, you immediately feel the power, structure and inner fiber of Nebbiolo as interpreted in this two-hectare parcel with its 30-year-old vines. In fact, this wine is defined by that immediate firmness. The aromas, however, are softer and more yielding with forest fruit, wild berry, crushed slate and blue flower. I would suggest putting this wine aside for five more years at least.

Vinous (96)

The 2017 Barolo Monvigliero marries the raciness of the year with the floral lift and elegance of this great Verduno site. More than anything, the 2017 is a Barolo of pure and total sensuality. Even so, there is more than enough tannin to allow the 2017 to drink well for many years to come. It is very clearly one of the wines of the vintage. The rich, substantial finish is a thing of real beauty.

Vinous (95)

Rich, bold and effusive, the 2017 Barolo San Lorenzo di Verduno shows the darker side of Nebbiolo from Verduno, as it always does. Black cherry, gravel, licorice, game, spice and cured meats are some of the many aromas and flavors that develop in the glass. Broad and ample, with tons of punch, the 2017 San Lorenzo delivers the goods, and then some.

Vinous (91)

The 2019 Dolcetto d'Alba is a standout. Readers will find a bold, juicy red done in a style that leans towards the savory, pungent end of the spectrum. Plum, olive tapenade, game and licorice give this Dolcetto a somewhat wild personality.

Wine Advocate (90+)

I absolutely have a soft spot for the Pelaverga grape that achieves such beautiful, but unusual, characteristics when given the chance. The 2018 Verduno Pelaverga Speziale is a happy and cheerful wine destined for easy-drinking occasions like with pizza or wood-fire flatbread with spicy sausage and broccoli. Native to Verduno in Piedmont, the grape typically shows a strong layer of freshly milled white pepper. That's exactly what you get in this cool and balanced vintage. This is a lean-bodied red to drink within the next 18 months.

Vinous (96)

Gaja's 2016 Barbaresco is positively stellar. A wine of poise and grace, the 2016 has so much to offer. Expressive spice and floral notes open up first, but what really stands out is the wine's nuance and delineation. There is a sense of translucency to the 2016 that is impossible to miss. Sweet red cherry, mint, cinnamon and rose petal develop in the glass, adding further shades of nuance. Quite simply, the 2016 is one of the very finest Gaja Barbarescos in recent memory. This is such a gorgeous wine. Don't miss it.

James Suckling (97)

Aromas of ripe strawberries with hazelnuts, blood oranges and some coconut. Full-bodied with very refined and polished tannins that nicely form this young red wine. Fresh and delicious aftertaste of berry, cedar, bark and dark chocolate. Ever so subtle, yet powerful and driven at the finish. Very long and intense. Very classical style to it and cooler. This is a blend of seven vineyards including the Costa Russi and Sori Tilden. Approachable now, but better after 2025 and onwards.

The Wine Independent (97)

Gaja's 2019 Barbaresco was bottled only a few days before this tasting but it already has sweet roses and red fruits on the nose with very subtle, gentle spice notes. It has a great texture and flows gracefully across the palate. It feels very harmonious with plenty of refreshing acidity and finely integrated tannins. Sublimely elegant with a fine, silt-like texture to the tannins, it is poised, beautifully understated and charming. Keep for 2 years and drink for up to 20 plus.

James Suckling (98)

The nose opens with a startling play between white truffles, bark and tea leaves and then crushed violets, lavender, blueberry peel, lemon rind and sour cherries. Full body, ultra-fine tannins, acidity as sharp as a razor and a long, ethereally mineral finish. The length but sheer clarity and accuracy in the delivery is remarkable. Perhaps hard to believe that this better than the 2013, but it is. Drink in 2022.

Wine Advocate (100)

The golden touch, that proverbial Gaja magic, is taken to a whole new level in the 2016 Barolo Sperss. Angelo Gaja has taught his children to follow their own path, and now that the generational switch is well underway at the family estate, we can see that Gaia, Rossana and Giovanni have done him proud. Very proud. This stunning expression from the 2016 vintage (with 16,000 bottles released) represents quite a few celebratory milestones. We are now in the fifth generation to protect the Gaja legacy in an unbroken family chain that has endured since 1859. This wine is 100% Nebbiolo, and since the 2013 vintage, it is part of the Barolo DOCG appellation. Winemaking has been tweaked to embrace a more elegant, ethereal and streamlined personality, instead of the bigger extraction we saw in the past. This upgraded identity is distinctly evident in this newest release of Sperss. Starting with appearance, the wine is luminous and bright with shiny ruby and garnet gemstone. Its aromatic reach is three-dimensional with width, height and depth. Delicate berry tones cede to pressed lilac, anise, sandalwood and cardamom spice. I double decanted and left the bottle open for a few hours before my tasting. The results are tight and gentle, and the wine shows beautiful vertical lift and intensity. To achieve this much power without the excess fruit weight is really quite an accomplishment. This is the magic of Nebbiolo, and the magic of Gaja.

Made entirely from the Nebbiolo bio-type known as Prünent, this mono-varietal from Garrone shows how beautifully the vine in question has become acclimated to the precipitous slopes and lofty altitudes of the Alpine foothills and valleys. Racy, firm and structured, yet ineffably inviting courtesy of a generous vintage; which is more and more becoming the rule as wine regions around the world heat up. This is world-class nebbiolo on par with many a top menzione in Barolo or Barbaresco with just as long of a life ahead of it.

Wine Advocate (91)

A tribute to local tradition, the 2014 Barolo Albe represents an assembly of fruit from various vineyard plots throughout the area. Winemaking is classic in approach with a 25-day maceration period and aging in large Slavonian oak casks. This vintage shows silky, fine lines and a more accessible approach for near and medium-term drinking. I would recommend a few more years of bottle aging, however, to allow the wine the time to grow in texture and mouthfeel.

Wine Advocate (91)

A tribute to local tradition, the 2014 Barolo Albe represents an assembly of fruit from various vineyard plots throughout the area. Winemaking is classic in approach with a 25-day maceration period and aging in large Slavonian oak casks. This vintage shows silky, fine lines and a more accessible approach for near and medium-term drinking. I would recommend a few more years of bottle aging, however, to allow the wine the time to grow in texture and mouthfeel.

Wine Spectator (94)

Elegant and expressive, this red evokes cherry, raspberry and floral notes, aligned to a refined structure. This is balanced and leaves an aftertaste of fruit, tobacco and iron. Best from 2023 through 2043. 3,300 cases made.

Wine Enthusiast (93)

Red berry, rose and camphor aromas waft out of the glass. Tangy and delicious, the smooth, full-bodied palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, fleshy raspberry and hints of ground baking spice framed in taut, polished tannins. It's already accessible but also has good midterm aging potential.

Wine Enthusiast (93)

Red berry, rose and camphor aromas waft out of the glass. Tangy and delicious, the smooth, full-bodied palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, fleshy raspberry and hints of ground baking spice framed in taut, polished tannins. It's already accessible but also has good midterm aging potential.

Wine Spectator (94)

This effusive red displays cherry, raspberry, rose, iron, juniper and hay flavors, underscored by vibrant acidity. Harmonious and supple in texture, with a long aftertaste of red fruit, mineral and floral elements. Best from 2028 through 2049. 3,500 cases imported.