More lift is on display in the aromas of the 2019 Barolo Rocche Di Castiglione, with medicinal herbs, menthol, red raspberry, and a more cooling effect. The tannin structure is finer as well, with more drying sensation, fresh acidity, and more. From a southeast exposition that has more ventilation, I personally prefer this wine to the others from Vietti. It is not lacking in complexity. Drink 2025-2045 and beyond.

This wine shows its MGA name "Roncaglie" on the front label for the first time. That's because Vietti recently acquired additional land in this cru site. The total holdings now span two hectares of vines. The 2018 Barbaresco Roncaglie Masseria is made as if it were a Barolo (instead of a Barbaresco) and is released one year after its peers. It shows tart fruit and dried cranberry with some mild spice and tarry smoke from two years in large oak casks. Exactly 5,026 bottles were made.

A tangy and bright grillo with lemon-rind, pear-skin and light apricot flavors. Some minerally undertones. Medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and a flavorful finish. Sustainable. Drink now.

The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is a new wine from Vietti. It soars out of the glass with a captivating bouquet redolent of crushed flowers, herbs, mint and orange peel. The aromatics alone are beguiling. Nervy and classic in build, with gorgeous inner sweetness, the 2019 is utterly irresistible.

Coming from a cru that lies in close proximity to the Tanaro river and can ripen a bit earlier, the 2020 Barbaresco Roncaglie offers an attractive and supple bouquet of dried strawberries, herbes de Provence, dusty earth, and fennel. Medium-bodied and approachable, it has fine tannins, an elegant feel, and a clean finish. It is already showing well and will have a wide window for enjoyment over the next 10-12 years.

Best Buy.  This wine is both serious and immediately enjoyable at the same time. The grapes were sourced from four different vineyard sites, each giving a unique profile to the wine. Together they shine as a whole in this wine, with aromas of mixed fresh apples, crushed stones, lemon rind and freshly picked flowers. The palate is layered and nuanced, and so much is going on that you might have to take a breath. Driven by minerality on the palate and supported by fresh and baked pears, apples and citrus, this is a stellar wine.

Concentrated aromas of black plum, fig, blackberry, white pepper, allspice and tea leaf roll out of the glass. Gamy on the palate with a lush and generous offering of black cherry jam that is balanced by floral and savory elements bringing the wine to its earthy finish. 

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.