Barolo Ravera, Vietti 2012

The 2012 Barolo Ravera is once again a star. Finely cut and chiseled throughout, the 2012 boasts striking precision and nuance. Rose petal, chalk, white pepper, cranberry and pomegranate burst forward in a brilliant, exceptionally polished Barolo built on pure, sculpted elegance. Over the last few years Vietti has done a tremendous job in taming the intense Ravera tannins while preserving all of the focus that makes the wines from this site so alluring. The Ravera has been fabulous on the two occassions I have tasted it so far. Drink 2022-2042.

The tar and asphalt comes through here with ripe plum and berry character too. Full body, tight and muscular. Deep and thought-provoking. Give it two or three years to open but already impressive to taste.

The 2012 Barolo Ravera is a beautiful wine and a fully-loaded Nebbiolo. The wine offers thick lines and deep concentration with seamless integration even at this very young stage in its evolution. The bouquet is redolent of dried cherry, spice, tar and tilled earth. This is a wine of utmost elegance, grace and nobility. Past vintages have appeared firmly closed when tasted too young, but the 2012 vintage is more relaxed and unclenched than expected. Drink 2017-2030.

Novello. Maturing ruby with orange tinges. Dark nose with hints of cherry. Ripe cherry palate, which is richly tannic. Quite compact and needs more time. (WS)