Wine Advocate (96)

The 2018 Barolo Prapò is firm, structured and built like a little tank. This organic wine showcases that distinctive power that is always part of the Serralunga d'Alba playlist and defies even this lower-intensity vintage. The bouquet shows dark fruit, ferrous earth and crushed stone. The mineral character is strong in this wine.

Vinous (93)

The 2017 Carema is soft, open-knit and wonderfully expressive. Rose petal, crushed red berries, orange peel, mint, chalk and white pepper give the 2017 its bright top notes. The 2017 is a bit lighter than the 2018 tasted alongside it, but also a touch more accessible today. It, too, is absolutely delicious.

Following on from the remarkable efforts of 2017 and 2018, the 2019 Carema from micro-estate Chiussuma admirably builds on thestrength of the previous two vintages and represents just the 4th release from this rapidly ascending superstar producer. The quintessential Carema, capturing the essence of the high-altitude conditions and rocky mica-schist soils. Perfumed, fine-boned and structured for an extensive period in the cellar this is a compelling example of why the region has been dubbed the Chambolle-Musigny of the Alto Piemonte.

Emanating from the romantic hills of Piedmont, Italy, Comero Sizzano 2017 presents an exquisite vintage that embodies the expertise of the Comero vineyards. The marriage of Nebbiolo and Vespolina grapes, masterfully matured in stainless steel and large oak barrels for a full-bodied flavour, imbues this vino with an unmissable aroma of red fruits, violets and luxurious spices reserved only for the highest quality wines.

Comero Sizzano 2017’s balanced tannins and luscious acidity truly set it apart; it rests gently on the palate, leaving a decadent aftertaste that lingers. The deep ruby red colouring perfectly complements the harmonious blend of fruit-rich and floral complexities, capturing the radiant Italian sun, fertile soils, and centuries-old passion of the Comero estate.

Brimming with a philosophy of hard work, respect for nature, and commitment to time-honoured traditions, Comero's Sizzano 2017 represents a sublime testament to expert Italian winemaking. Simply put, it is an essential addition to any connoisseur's collection.

Hailing from the renowned wine-growing region of Piedmont, Italy, Comero Sizzano 2018 is a true gem for the discerning palate. Renowned producer, Comero, meticulously produces this elite wine in the historical town of Sizzano. This masterly crafted blend of Nebbiolo and Vespolina grapes are traditionally harvested by hand in late October, ensuring an unparalleled quality.

Distinguished by its rich ruby hue, Comero Sizzano 2018 mesmerizes with sensual notes of ripe berries, violets, and subtle hints of warm spice. The maturation process in French oak adds to its complexity and exquisite depths of flavour, resulting in a wine that boasts a captivating balance of elegance and earthiness.

Revered by wine connoisseurs, each bottle of Comero Sizzano 2018 communicates its prestigious pedigree and the uncompromising dedication to excellence by the producer. A bottle from this remarkable vintage leaves a lasting impression and is a testament to Italy's enduring wine heritage.

Richly bestowed with an incredible pedigree, Ferrando Carema Etichetta Bianca 2017 is a masterfully created, Italian Nebbiolo hailing from Piedmont's majestic Alpine vineyards. Rooted in vineyards planted in the commune of Carema on the steep, rocky slopes of the Alps, this fine wine is the artistic embodiment of third-generation winemaker Luigi Ferrando's deep commitment to classically structured and balanced wines.

Ferrando Carema Etichetta Bianca 2017 boasts a meticulously achieved complexity and elegance. Its unique character evolves from a two-year maturation in large Slavonian oak barrels, resulting in exquisite layers of wild cherry, Alpine herbs, roses, and minerals, adorning a beautifully structured, mid-weight body. This rare vintage, with its linear precision and powerful thrust, testifies of Ferrando's impeccable vinification techniques, and the region's terroir, marked by a continental climate and soils composed of moraine deposits.

Savour the generous palette of this singular wine, Ferrando Carema Etichetta Bianca 2017, a testament to the Ferrando family’s unwavering dedication to winemaking excellence.

Crafted by the globally lauded producer Giulio Ferrando, Ferrando Carema Etichetta Nera Black Label 2017 encompasses the elegance and stark depth of Carema's mountainous terroir. Derived from 80-year-old Nebbiolo grapevines grown on terraced slopes straddling the border of Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta, this exquisite wine showcases the fine art of winemaking.

Adhering to traditional methods, this unique red wine undergoes slow fermentation, followed by 48 months of aging in Botti. These practices imbue Ferrando Carema Etichetta Nera Black Label 2017 with a seductive robust crimson hue and a harmonious balance of tannins and acidity. Its tasteful notes of wild berries, dried rose petals, and subtle undertones of tobacco, offer a captivating and prolonged finish.

As a hallmark of biodynamic viticulture, Ferrando Carema Etichetta Nera Black Label 2017 stands as a testament to the Ferrando family's commitment to producing wines that resonate with authenticity and distinct character, promising a remarkable experience for discerning wine connoisseurs.

Wine Enthusiast (95)

Lovely aromas of violet, iris and perfumed berry lift out of the glass. Firmly structured and focused, the linear palate shows refinement and finesse, with taut, refined tannins framing juicy red cherry, strawberry compote and star anise. Fresh acidity keeps it vibrant and balanced. Best 2029-2039

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)

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.

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.

Jancis Robinson (17++)

Monforte d'Alba. Mid ruby with orange tinges. Deep, brooding and meaty on the nose. Deep cherry palate that is still taut and framed by sweet clayey tannins. Very long, mouth-filling and finely balanced while maintaining elegance.

Jeb Dunnuck (95)

The 2018 Barolo Monvigliero is the most reserved of the wines in this short vertical, which comes as no surprise in this cooler vintage. However, it is also darker fruited compared to the others, which is more noteworthy, with notes of cracked pepper, black raspberries, and fresh flowers. Overall, it floats on the palate with a graceful feel, fine tannins, and a stony finish. A lovely wine, it’s drinking well now and will drink well over the coming 8-10 years.

Jancis Robinson (17++)

A shade darker than their Del Comune di Verduno and with a firmer nose of cherry and raspberry with plenty of depth. Ripe and deep. Hints of mint and cardamom, but not from new oak as this has seen only large casks. Elegant and sappy cherry fruit palate with firm, finely chiselled tannins which never dominate the fruit. Succulent and with a fine, long, tannic grip on the finish.

Vinous (93)

The 2018 Barolo Paiagallo is laced with kirsch, sweet spice, new leather, menthol and rose petal. Exotic and super-ripe, the 2018 shows all the warmth of the year in its sweet fruit and pronounced alcohol, but avoids the angular contours that afflict so many wines. Even with all of that richness, the 2018 retains a good bit of freshness and energy. An opened bottle was still vibrant after a number of days whereas many other wines in the same tasting faded far faster. The 2018 is a very fine effort from one of Barolo's artisan growers, but readers have to be willing to accept elevated ripeness and alcohol.

Vinous (90)

The 2018 Barolo Vigna S. Caterina is another attractive wine in this range for Guido Porro. It offers up scents of dried cherry, orange peel, spice, mint and dried rose petal, with lovely inner perfume and fine balance. Time in the glass brings out gorgeous layers to round things out. Drink it over the next few years.

Vinous (88)

The 2018 Barolo Gianetto is a very pretty, open-knit Barolo to drink over the next handful of years. Sweet red cherry, hard candy, spice and floral top notes are all nicely put together in this friendly, easygoing Barolo from Guido Porro.

Vinous (92)

The 2018 Barolo Vigna Lazzairasco is a beguiling, nuanced wine. Sage, mint, dried tobacco leaves and cedar give the Lazzairasco its nuanced, complex aromatics. Medium in body, with gorgeous inner perfume and fine balance, the 2018 shows quite well today. Relatively soft tannins (for Serralunga) and mid-weight structure argue for near and medium term drinking,

Vinous (93)

The 2018 Barolo Vigna Rionda is a very good wine for the year. Classic Rionda aromatics give this mid-weight, pliant Barolo tons of seductiveness. Silky tannins add quite a bit of charm. This is a fine showing in a very difficult year from a vineyard that is still very young following a replanting just a few years ago. Well done.

Richly layered and opulent, the Luigi Pira Barolo Cannubi 2018 promises a sensorial experience of remarkable complexity. Born in the heart of Italy's prestigious Barolo appellation, this ruby-hued divine vintage echoes the meticulous craftsmanship of celebrated viticulturist, Luigi Pira. Through unmistakable Nebbiolo grapes, it encaptures a unique dimension of fruit concentration. Its characteristically seamless texture reveals a skilful ageing of 24 months in large Slavonian oak barrels, bestowing harmonious notes of sweet spices, ripe blackberries, and a hint of silky cocoa.

An embodiment of Luigi Pira's commitment to traditional winemaking, this wine mirrors the delicate nuances of the Cannubi terroir highlighted by the warm 2018 vintage. The Luigi Pira Barolo Cannubi 2018 boasts an impressive harmony between firm tannins and vibrant acidity, culminating in a luscious, persistent finish. An equisite testament to the time-honoured Barolo lineage, this wine promises a sublime insight into Italy's iconic viticultural heritage.

Wine Spectator (98)

Cherry, strawberry, rose, iron and menthol flavors highlight this supple red. There's plenty of backbone, and woodsy notes chime in, but this is more about the expressive berry fruit and elegant side of Barolo, ending with a terrific finish. Nonetheless, this will require several years for the tannins to be absorbed. To be released September 2022. Best from 2025 through 2045. 1,000 cases made, 250 cases imported.

Vinous (95)

The 2018 Gattinara is a stunning wine in the making. Extraordinary in its complexity and nuance, the 2018 dazzles with a kaleidoscope of aromas, flavors and textures. Kirsch, hard candy, flowers and lively acids captivate the senses. The 2018 is elegant, weightless and full of character. It is, quite frankly, everything Gattinara can and should be. This is a great place to start for readers who want to know why the 2018 vintage is so magical at Nervi-Conterno. If it weren't for the single-vineyard wines, I would have said the 2018 is one of the very best wines that have ever been made here!

Vinous (93)

The 2018 Barolo is terrific. In 2018, the Odderos were not completely convinced of the results across all their sites. Ultimately, they blended all of their vineyard designates into the straight Barolo, with the exception of the Brunate and a Riserva from Vigna Rionda. In the glass, their 2018 is captivating. Exotic aromatics, bright red berry fruit and vibrant acids give the 2018 its considerable allure. Vineyard sites are: Fiasco, Bricco Chiesa, Capalot, Bussia, Villero, Rocche di Castiglione and Monvigliero. Look for this to be one of the under the radar gems of the vintage. I loved it. In fact, the Oddero Barolo is one of the few 2018s readers should not miss. It is a very strong 'buy' in my book.

Vinous (93)

The 2018 Barolo is terrific. In 2018, the Odderos were not completely convinced of the results across all their sites. Ultimately, they blended all of their vineyard designates into the straight Barolo, with the exception of the Brunate and a Riserva from Vigna Rionda. In the glass, their 2018 is captivating. Exotic aromatics, bright red berry fruit and vibrant acids give the 2018 its considerable allure. Vineyard sites are: Fiasco, Bricco Chiesa, Capalot, Bussia, Villero, Rocche di Castiglione and Monvigliero. Look for this to be one of the under the radar gems of the vintage. I loved it. In fact, the Oddero Barolo is one of the few 2018s readers should not miss. It is a very strong 'buy' in my book.

Wine Advocate (95)

Always a standout wine, the Oddero 2018 Barolo Brunate is a complete wine, and I use that word specifically because it shows balance, freshness, length and structure. It has all the basics of an age-worthy Nebbiolo that promises to increase in complexity and depth with more cellar age. At this young stage, the bouquet is singing with dark fruit, cherry, spice and sweet earth.

Wine Advocate (95)

Always a standout wine, the Oddero 2018 Barolo Brunate is a complete wine, and I use that word specifically because it shows balance, freshness, length and structure. It has all the basics of an age-worthy Nebbiolo that promises to increase in complexity and depth with more cellar age. At this young stage, the bouquet is singing with dark fruit, cherry, spice and sweet earth.