NOBILI
2015 Valtellina Superiore Sassella
This wine is 100% Nebbiolo and made in a style for early drinking. The red cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate fruits are well-defined, expressive and pleasing as is the medium-light body with a smooth texture. I’d drink over the next 4-5 years. DIAM 5 closure. 13% stated alcohol. 91/A
ODDERO
2017 Langhe Nebbiolo
Still plenty tannin here so a long decant is recommended, but this then turns into a lovely wine with suppleness of texture and classic tar, roses and spiced red cherries. Cork closure. Lot L1905. 14.5% stated alcohol. 90/A
Castello di PERNO
2017 Nizza
Nizza is now the DOCG for this wine; previously it had been Barbera d’Alba Superiore. The wine is raised part in oak, part in amphora. Scented blackberry aromas. Blackberry flavors that are sappy. Medium-weight. A wine for drinking young and for the pleasure. 88/A-
2016 Barolo
Intense, pure dark fruits, lots of structure. 88+/B
2016 Barolo Castelleto
Dark fruits, medium-light weight, classic tannins. Needs time. 89/B
Marco PORELLO
This producer has long had a good reputation, but the wines never impressed me the way these do.
2018 Roero Arneis Camestrì
A delicious Roero Arneis -- mineral, floral, biting, intense nose. The mouth is rich but light with white fruits and excellent balance. 90/A
2018 Barbera d’Alba
Intense red fruits, some oak, medium-weight. 87/B+
2018 Roero San Michele Riserva
Smooth texture, dense red cherry fruit, quality tannins. Good Nebbiolo-based wine. 89(+)/A-
Francesco RINALDI & Figli
2018 Dolcetto d’Alba Roussot
This wine is a beautiful expression of Dolcetto -- light and joyous with raspberry and cherry fruit and good acidity. Diam 3 closure. Lot L 18 19. 13% stated alcohol. 90/A