The 2016 Nebbiolo is a lovely ripe true to style Hilltops Nebbiolo. These vines are meticulously looked after throughout the growing season. It is interesting to consider when the winemaking begins for such a great wine - Is it when the grapes reach Bryan at the winery or perhaps when "Windows" prunes the vines in Winter, or is it when the vines were planted by Mark, John, and Michael and there families. Or did this wine have its beginning when the soil was taking formation, obviously all the above and much more was involved in the final wine, so please enjoy, respect and linger over all that goes into each bottle as we have.

Michele Chiarlo was founded in 1956 by the sole and present owners, Michele and Giuseppina Chiarlo. Son of over seven generations of esteemed wine growers, Mr. Chiarlo is today one of the most respected producers of the fine wines of Piedmont and a leading figure in its viticultural industry. The Principe is produced with the grapes from the Nebbiolo hills in the Langa area and has been left to refine in large vats for a year. Notes of violet, red fruits and elegant fine spices. Harmonious, with good structure, the presence of fine tannins and a good round finish.

Nervi is a historic, benchmark Gattinara producer with 28.5ha of highly-prized Nebbiolo vineyards across the appellation, in the northern part of Piedmont. The modern Nervi was founded in 1906 by Luigi Nervi. Molsino is one of the estates two top named sites -- a historic cru with mentions in town records as far back as 1471. The Nervi family ran the estate until the 1990s, and in 2011 it was purchased by investors who brought in the leading Barolo figure Roberto Conterno as a consultant. Gattinara represents the purest expression of the northern [Piedmont] zones. Vino Italiano - David Lynch and Joe Bastianich In May 2018 Conterno purchased the estate. Gattinara was awarded DOC status in 1967, and upgraded to DOCG in 1990. Gravelly clay soils remnants of an ancient collapsed volcano -- are rich in granite and other minerals including iron, zinc, magnesium and manganese. The terroir gives the wines a distinct minerality which sets them apart from the neighbouring appellations. Molsino matures for at least four years in large oak vats.

Nervi is a historic, benchmark Gattinara producer with 28.5ha of highly-prized Nebbiolo vineyards across the appellation, in the northern part of Piedmont. The modern Nervi was founded in 1906 by Luigi Nervi. Valferana is one of the estates two top named sites -- a historic cru with mentions in town records as far back as 1231. The Nervi family ran the estate until the 1990s, and in 2011 it was purchased by investors who brought in the leading Barolo figure Roberto Conterno as a consultant. Gattinara represents the purest expression of the northern [Piedmont] zones. Vino Italiano - David Lynch and Joe Bastianich In May 2018 Conterno purchased the estate. Gattinara was awarded DOC status in 1967, and upgraded to DOCG in 1990. Gravelly clay soils remnants of an ancient collapsed volcano -- are rich in granite and other minerals including iron, zinc, magnesium and manganese. The terroir gives the wines a distinct minerality which sets them apart from the neighbouring appellations. Valferana matures for at least four years in large oak vats.

Nervi is a historic, benchmark Gattinara producer with 28.5ha of highly-prized Nebbiolo vineyards across the appellation, in the northern part of Piedmont. The modern Nervi was founded in 1906 by Luigi Nervi. The Gattinara wine is drawn from across the estate, including declassified material from both Molsino and Valferana. The Nervi family ran the estate until the 1990s, and in 2011 it was purchased by investors who brought in the leading Barolo figure Roberto Conterno as a consultant. "Gattinara represents the purest expression of the northern [Piedmont] zones." Vino Italiano -- David Lynch and Joe Bastianich In May 2018 Conterno purchased the estate. Gattinara was awarded DOC status in 1967, and upgraded to DOCG in 1990. Gravelly clay soils remnants of an ancient collapsed volcano -- are rich in granite and other minerals including iron, zinc, magnesium and manganese. The terroir gives the wines a distinct minerality which sets them apart from the neighbouring appellations. Molsino matures for at least four years in large oak vats.

AZIENDA AGRICOLA SORDO GIOVANNI Riserva Rocche Di Castiglione, Barolo DOCG

ELIO ALTARE, Barolo DOCG The Elio Altare Barolo is a blend of Nebbiolo grapes from the La Morra, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga dAlba and Barolo sub-regions. Only 800-850 dozen bottles are produced each year from vineyards planted on south and south-east facing slopes in the late 1900s. The vineyards, on various soil types, are farmed organically, but along traditional lines. The grapes are crushed and then macerated on skins for 4-5 days in temperature-controlled rotary fermenters before fermentation using indigenous yeasts. The wine is matured for 24 months in French oak barriques before bottling unfined and unfiltered. The Elio Altare Barolo shows an intense ruby-red colour with hints of garnet. On the nose fresh scents of small red fruits, raspberry, redcurrant and wild roses evolve into licorice and spice notes. The palate is typically warm, elegant and persistent, with soft tannins and a long finish.

ELIO ALTARE Cannubi , Barolo DOCG The Elio Altare Cannubi Barolo is made using Nebbiolo grapes. Only about 125 dozen bottles are produced each year from vines planted on south-facing slopes in the late 1990s. The vineyard, on marna stone, clay and sandy soils, is farmed organically, but along traditional lines. The grapes are crushed and then macerated on skins for 4-5 days in temperature-controlled rotary fermenters before fermentation using indigenous yeasts. The wine is matured for 24 months in French oak barriques before bottling unfined and unfiltered. The Elio Altare Cannubi Barolo shows a light, ruby-red colour with hints of garnet. The nose is fresh and fruity, with scents of rose petals and other flowers. The palate is typically warm and elegant with smooth, silky tannins and a long finish.

AZIENDA AGRICOLA CASCINA PUGNANE Bussia , Barolo DOCG