Aromas of cloves, pine needles, bing cherries and dried cranberries create a spicy, warm nose, while the fruit ripens on the palate without losing that snappy freshness. Firm tannins and linear, decisive acid fortify undertones of earth and salt.

From the historic slopes of Serralunga d'Alba's Cascina Ornato, where Pio Cesare's single vineyard journey began in 1985, emerges a titan of Barolo. Like an ancient tale told in hushed tones, this powerhouse unfolds with brooding dark fruits while star anise and juniper berries weave their spicy narrative through waves of dried black currants. The wine commands attention with mountainous structure and an earthy finale that echoes through time. This is Serralunga's masculine soul captured in a bottle, promising decades of storytelling ahead. Drink from 2028

On the nose, the tang of wild herbs and blackberries is balanced by textured notes of coffee grinds and tilled soil. The palate brings more berries, alongside abundant salt and citrus, creating a bright, crunchy, lean, energetic feel that's further intensified by an electric vein of acid.

This regal expression of Barolo comes from old vines in Monforte d'Alba's prized Mosconi vineyard. Aromas of dusty dried cherries lead a procession down a gravel path, accompanied by black tea leaves and whispers of cigar box spice. Warmed plums and fruit compote ascend on the palate, lifted by blood orange zest and fresh cut herbs. The elegant tannins, shaped by 30 months in French oak, descend like royalty on a grand staircase, floating not walking. The finish refuses to bid farewell, lingering like the last dance at a royal ball. A wine that makes time stand still. Drink from 2027.

While most people are more familiar with the Louis Roederer name from its tête de cuvée wine, Cristal, the Champagne house also produces this much more wallet-friendly bottling. Roederer releases different collections, each representing a new chapter for the winery, and this represents the 245th. This iteration can be defined by notes of ripe peaches, yellow nectarines, rosemary, citrus, and brioche. There’s also a flinty minerality that adds freshness on the palate.