It’s hard to pull away from the 2018 Pinot Noir Krafuss, as a deep and vivid blend of cherry pits, mint, pine shavings, chalk dust and smoke swirl up from the glass. Just as its bouquet would suggest, this is pure, energetic and wholly satisfying on the palate, with a sweet and sour mix of wild berries giving way to inner violet and lavender tones, while coming across as both creamy but also ethereal. A bit more depth might take the 2018 to the next level, but that’s just splitting hairs. It finishes lightly-structured and refined with nuances of tangerine and pomegranates that linger on and on. This is some stunning juice.

Lots of sliced green apple, lime and hints of crushed stone and some celery on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied with intense flavor and solid center-palate. A classic style of sauvignon. Drink now.

Made from a selection of mountain herbs and bitters. Bright, medium-intense strawberry hue; aromas of stewed cherries, ripe strawberries, oregano and china bark. Medium-full with a dry, somewhat powerful, dry finish that offers excellent complexity. Very distinctive! Enjoy after dinner over the next 5-7 years. 25% alcohol.

The 2018 Pietradonice, a varietal Cabernet Sauvignon from the south-east of Montalcino, is dark as it grumbles up from the glass, showing dusty rose, currents, cherries and smoke. This is velvety in feel yet wonderfully lifted and fresh, steadily building in tannic heft yet packed full of graphite-like mineral-tinged black fruits and dark inner florals. A hint of sour citrus keeps you coming back for more even as the Pietradonice flexes its structural heft. Give the 2018 five to seven years before attempting to enjoy the full potential buried within.

The 2021 Collio Sauvignon from Russiz Superiore shows the dimension the region can produce in the variety. The wine has a great balance of fruit, herbs, and minerals — less racy and “grassy” than Sauvignon from New Zealand and more like some of those from France’s Loire Valley. Flavors of green apple, apricot, and lemon-lime are accented by touches of flinty minerality and herbs like sage and thyme. There’s a bit of creamy softness on the long finish, a reflection of aging on the leesand a small percentage of the grapes fermented in oak barrels. Aging takes place in stainless steel tanks. It is more expensive than many of the countless Sauvignons you’ll find from just about every corner of the wine world. But the price is offset by the fact that this is a singular Sauvignon Blanc that’s among the world’s best.

The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Camp Gros Martinenga shows all the pedigree of this great vintage in its power, breadth and overall intensity. Black cherry, plum, licorice, mocha, lavender and sage give the 2016 its dark, brooding personality. I am quite surprised, in a good way, how integrated the tannins are. The 2016 is a big wine, but it is already very harmonious, The 2016 spent a year in barrel and a year and half in cask.

The 2009 Alta Langa Metodo Classico Pas Dosé Riserva Zero 140 (a blend of 85% Pinot Nero and 15% Chardonnay) is not quite full-bodied but almost, showing plenty of rich layering and texture. The number 140 in the sparkler's name refers to the number of months this special bottle ages on the lees. This is a real beauty with peach, orchard fruit, baked bread, toasted pine nut and hints of dusty mine

TOP 50 WINES OF 2022 #17

Vietti has been in the village of Castiglione Falletto since the beginning of the nineteenth century. Over time, they have gradually selected the best vineyards to grow Nebbiolo and showcase them in individually, showing the diversity of this grape and their terroir. This is a great entry into the world of Vietti with their Barolo. It has everything you want from this variety. Rose petal and cherries waft up from the glass with a luscious palate of seamlessly interwoven tannins adding complexity and layers to the wine. It's balanced and delicious, …. this everything we look for in great Barolo, while rose petal and cherry notes surprise and delight the palate with every sip. Priced at just over $50, this is a steal.