Charming and enticing with aromas of sweet cherries, strawberries, cedar, dried herbs and some baking spices. Sensational concentration with a vivid center-palate on the full to medium body. The fine and firm tannins are harmoniously balanced by the succulent red currants and crisp acidity. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Try after 2028.

TOP 50 WINES OF 2022  #3 

Psst, here’s a secret. Friuli has some of the most expressive Sauvignon Blanc on the planet. The northeastern Italian DOC of Collio Goriziano in Friuli-Venezia Giulia has historically been known for Pinot Grigios and Friulanos (also known as Sauvignon Vert), but it has more recently received overdue recognition for its stellar Sauvignon Blanc wines. One sip of Russiz Superiore’s Sauvignon Collio, and you’ll understand why. Its earthy, slightly savory palate offers a nice alternative to the New Zealand-style, pyrazine-forward Savvy B Americans are familiar with, offering highly concentrated notes of bright tomato and aromatic basil. With a mineral-rich texture, it’s the perfect match for a caprese salad with lots of flaky sea salt. The palate is a study in balance with excellent acidity and just the right grip.

Subtle, revealing rose, strawberry, cherry and white pepper aromas and flavors. Tightly wound, with solid grip, this feels youthful and is evolving at a glacier pace. Reveals fine balance and length, with a chalky, mineral finish. Sangiovese, Colorino, Canaiolo and Ciliegiolo. Best from 2025 through 2040.

The 2021 Rosato Susumaniello Askos is understated and dusty in character, yet with an exotic spiciness that keeps me coming back to the glass. It washes across that palate with glycerol-like textures, while delivering ripe green melon and sweet inner herbal tones. While a bit short, the Askos succeeds in leaving the senses completely refreshed and aching for another sip.

Aromas of sliced apples, peaches, stones, herbs and white pepper. It’s medium-bodied with fresh acidity and a concentrated, complex and spicy palate. Delicious finish. Drink now

Packaged with a green label, the Tenuta Scerscé 2019 Valtellina Superiore Sassella Nebbiolo Incanto shows fine-tuned aromas of forest berry, blue flower, wild rose and candied orange peel. This is a pure and elegant wine with a firm and silky texture. It would pair nicely with an oven-roasted chicken and potatoes.

The 2019 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is all class. Deep and sensual, the 2019 once again shows how magical this site is. A Barolo with no hard edges and tons of sensuality, the 2019 is positively stellar. Silky tannins wrap around a core of bright red-toned fruit. The purity of the flavors is remarkable. Sweet floral and spice notes lend tons of lift as the Rocche gains in dimension with time in the glass. Resonant, expansive and sensual to the core, the Rocche will thrill Vietti fans.

This is a very fruit-forward syrah with crushed blackberry and raspberry and hints of cloves. Medium body with firm, fine tannins and a spicy, lightly meaty aftertaste. Drink or hold.