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.

When young, Fontanafredda Langhe Nebbiolo features a fragrance which is wonderfully spontaneous and full of surprise. In its bouquet, colour, and generous, velvety body this wine brings out all the typical qualities of the grape it is made from. Later in life, its colour becomes garnet-red with strong orange shades, and its nose deepens, with traces of withered flowers, such as rose and above-all geraniums. It's warm, soft, well-bodied flavour is velvety and well-balanced, lingering in the mouth.

AZIENDA AGRICOLA SORDO GIOVANNI Parussi, Barolo DOCG

The Estate produces just 900 cases of this succulent, dark cherry and anise-scented Barbaresco. Like all of the Rocca family's Barbaresco, this is a single cru wine. It hails from a south facing, single site in a cru called Montersino (in the Treiso commune). One day it may well be labelled according to its cru. The altitude here is 310 metres and the soil is a mixture of clay and limestone. It's 100 per cent Nebbiolo of course, from another super vintage, and matured exclusively in large, 20 hectolitre, Austrian coopered Botti for two years. Succulent, pure and meticulously crafted, there is a wonderful core of dark cherry, lavender and tobacco scented fruit and fine structure to balance the fleshy texture. Nebbiolo in all its atmospheric glory.

Barolo Bricco Boschis is rich, seductive and totally beautiful. A radiant Barolo, the wine captures the essence of the year. Sweet red berries, flowers, spices and mint all flesh out in this gorgeous, sexy Barolo. It should drink well pretty much right out of the gate. Stylistically, it shows the personality of the ripe vintage.