Morello cherry and violet aromas take center stage on this savory sparkler. The dry, refined palate delivers juicy Morello cherry, blood orange, fennel seed and white pepper alongside a refined perlage and bright acidity.

The 2020 Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive di Colbertaldo Vigneto Giardino Dry is another classic wine from the charismatic Franco Adami. This festive bottle shows aromas of honeysuckle, candied lemon, crushed stone and Golden Delicious apple. Franco writes "Asciutto" in Italian instead of the English "Dry," and there's a lot to read into that. Is this a protest against the fact that the word Dry is confusing to the consumer? Production is 40,200 bottles.

A dense, racy and expressive red, offering black cherry, black currant, violet and iron aromas and flavors, with a hint of rosemary. This is driven by vivid acidity and refined tannins, which lend both finesse and length. Shows great harmony and elegance. Best from 2025 through 2047. 828 cases made, 145 cases imported.

Wow. Incredible purity and transparency with cherries, bark, mushroom, flower and slate/stone on the nose. Full-bodied yet agile and fresh with a fine tannin structure that runs the length of the wine and goes on forever. The polish, elegance and grace is breathtaking. Power with agility. A revelation for the 2016 vintage in Brunello. Drink in 2024 and onwards but wonderful to taste now.

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,    it delights the palate with every sip, begging for food. This is a steal....Priced at just over $50,

The 2018 Barolo Brunate is a deep, layered wine that is going to need at least a few years to come together. Today, the Brunate is quite primary and backward, but all the ingredients are there. Sage, menthol, licorice, dried flowers and spice build with a bit of coaxing.

Intense and pure, this red exudes floral, strawberry, raspberry, currant, sandalwood, menthol and mineral aromas and flavors. Racy and bursting with energy, delivering a youthful balance and long, long aftertaste of floral, fruit, savory and mineral elements. Shows superb complexity, harmony and finesse. Best from 2025 through 2045. 267 cases made, 30 cases imported.

Quite a flamboyant feel to this on the nose, showing raspberries and grainy notes, together with hints of fresh mushrooms. Some brighter passion fruit comes through with air. Medium-bodied with an intense core of vibrant fruit and youthful tannin which together, given time, will add length and breadth to the wine. Wait for this one. Try from 2024.