Barolo Ravera, Elvio Cogno 2016

Crystalline purity to this Barolo with red currants, fruit tea, lemons, freshly squeezed oranges and rosemary. Medium-to full-bodied with inward-looking, sophisticated tannins that thread vibrant red fruit in ribbon-like shapes. Drink from 2024.

Of the many great contributions made by the winemaking team at Elvio Cogno, perhaps the greatest is the importance they brought to the Ravera cru of Novello. Little-known before their efforts, this vineyard has risen in high regard in recent years and continues to show impressive potential. The 2016 Barolo Ravera offers an important education in why this site deserves the spotlight. The wine shows terrific balance and depth, with rich fruit aromas framed by smoke, tar, ferrous earth and tangy licorice. The tannins are softly contoured, and the wine moves over the palate with profound length. Interestingly, two Nebbiolo clones, Lampia and Michet, are blended to make this wine. Some 15,000 bottles are hitting the market now. Drink: 2023-2045

Novello. Beautifully lifted, perfumed and concentrated. Almost an explosion of fresh, crushed, sweet, red fruit. Great purity of fruit with firm tannins that never dominate. Vibrant acidity and succulence on a full, tannic, yet endlessly fine palate. Drink: 2022-2036