This Barolo from the Ornato vineyard offers enticing aromas of ripe black cherry, cinnamon-spiced cake, candied blood orange zest, and a hint of fresh bay leaf. The palate is exceptionally well-balanced, with a precise, linear structure that showcases flavors of juicy blackberry, dark chocolate, and a touch of vanilla. The wine's impressive length and depth are evident in the long, satisfying finish. Drink 2026-2044.

Delightfully light and breezy, with hints of almond flower, almond, and unripe peach intermingling with crisp apple notes. Rounded and textured, it boasts a well-structured profile, underscored by mineral notes and a subtle salinity. Tangy orchard fruit flavors with a touch of citrus rind add to its refreshing character.

A mix of cherry, strawberry, rose, tar and underbrush aromas and flavors highlight this elegant, solidly built red. Supple in texture until dusty tannins emerge on the finish. Shows fine balance overall, with a super long finish. Best from 2027 through 2043.

Aromas of sliced apples, white pineapple, lemon rind and minerals. Medium-bodied and very intense and bright, with crushed seashells, iodine and light fresh green apples. Complex, crunchy and focused. Lots of limes and other citrus. Drink or hold.

The 2021 Barbera d’Alba Superiore “Fides” bottling from Pio Cesare is an excellent example of this single vineyard cuvée from vines in Monforte d’Alba. The wine comes in at 14.5 percent alcohol in this vintage and offers up a deep and complex bouquet of black cherries, sweet dark berries, a touch of road tar, dark soil tones, hung game, fresh oregano, cigar smoke and a lovely framing of smoky oak. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, focused and quite suave on the attack, with a fine core of black fruit, a good base of soil, firm, well-integrated tannins and lovely length and grip on the well balanced and complex finish. Though this carries the same alcohol level as the 2022 Barbara normale bottling, there is no hint of backend heat here. Just give it a bit of time in the cellar to soften up properly. 2029-2050.