Andrea Oberto has been turning out an incredible array of wines for many years now and this, his 2021 Dolcetto, is just another example of his brilliance. Dolcetto can be seen as a bit of a workhorseAndrea Oberto has been turning out an incredible array of wines for many years now and this, his 2021 Dolcetto, is just another example of his brilliance. Dolcetto can be seen as a bit of a workhorse for many estates, but he manages to conjure something with real joy. This displays so much charm, blueberry, damson and red cherry fruitiness, floral, with hints of violets and then a juicy freshness to lift the whole and keep you going back for more.L&S (Oct 2022)

Darker fruit on the nose, crushed stone, black cherry, blackberry, hint of cocoa powder. Red berry notes add a fresh feel to the core. Super weight, great concentration of polyphenols. Delicious.Darker fruit on the nose, crushed stone, black cherry, blackberry, hint of cocoa powder. Red berry notes add a fresh feel to the core. Super weight, great concentration of polyphenols. Delicious. Sappy and broad - but sleek and alive too. This is a real charmer.L&S (Oct 2021)

Andrea Oberto's Langhe Nebbiolo is a brilliant window on to the quality of his Barolo wines. Charming as ever from this cellar but with the classic feel and hints of Rose, mint, cocoa, strawberry andAndrea Oberto's Langhe Nebbiolo is a brilliant window on to the quality of his Barolo wines. Charming as ever from this cellar but with the classic feel and hints of Rose, mint, cocoa, strawberry and cherry filling the palate. There is a juicy fresh lift in the mouth too, balancing the ripe and sleek red fruit, strawberry flesh, cherry and mint, sleek and supple finish. L&S (Oct 2021)

Lovely intensity jumps out of the glass at you. Gorgeously fragrant with balsamic notes, cherry, raspberry and that classic 'tarry' edge. Lovely soft tannins. Supple and insistent but so wellLovely intensity jumps out of the glass at you. Gorgeously fragrant with balsamic notes, cherry, raspberry and that classic 'tarry' edge. Lovely soft tannins. Supple and insistent but so well assimilated. On the palate there is a joyful riot of flavours - dark lines of soft tar and licorice and red roses too, all accenting the deep, soft berry fruit. Balsamic wafts again and a note of Asian spices - all delivered brightly with great push and intensity.
The fruit for this comes from 3 vineyards all in the commune of La Morra: Annunziato, Boiolo and San Francesco. Élevage is in a mix of big barrels and small. L&S (Oct 2021)

These bush vines are now 29 years old - the vineyard is a short-distance from the Oberto's home-turf of La Morra, across the valley in the commune of the town of Barolo at 280 metres. Here the soilThese bush vines are now 29 years old - the vineyard is a short-distance from the Oberto's home-turf of La Morra, across the valley in the commune of the town of Barolo at 280 metres. Here the soil is rich with clay and the wine reflects this perfectly. After tasting the village Barolo which comes just from La Morra - the Albarella is big and bold. A well-mannered powerhouse. Gorgeously rich and opulent - but with good balance and pert fruit. Dark and some chew for now in its youth - however, Andrea's deft touch is clear and this remains well-tamed and totally charming. L&S (Jan 2022)

Andrea's parcel of this esteemed vineyard is now 35 years old. Lying at 260 metres, it is a sandy spot - classic for La Morra - and this soil is a key factor in the lift and soft charm that you findAndrea's parcel of this esteemed vineyard is now 35 years old. Lying at 260 metres, it is a sandy spot - classic for La Morra - and this soil is a key factor in the lift and soft charm that you find in the wines from here. More grace and reserve than the Albarella. More closed for know at this early stage, but so full of promise and intrigue. Deep red fruit. Good lift and some green herb and cooking spice too. There is a perfume of purple blossom too - delightfully scented and delicate in the background. Another great result here - this is a wine you just want to drink - almost immediately! L&S (Jan 2022)

In the glass this wine is almost Pinot Noir-like in its delicate cherry colour, however that’s where the similarities end. The nose is classic Nebbiolo, all rose petals, damson and leather – it’sIn the glass this wine is almost Pinot Noir-like in its delicate cherry colour, however that’s where the similarities end. The nose is classic Nebbiolo, all rose petals, damson and leather – it’s just so pretty. The palate belies its lightness of colour, pliable tannins surrounding a lively red fruit core. It’s joyful yet serious. A delicious wine and lots of fun.L&S (Apr 2022)

Beautifully constructed Barolo from the Barale team, classic tar, roses and delicately spicy hedgerow fruits. In the mouth the wine has a rich pliant tannic frame that underpins a palate of cherry,Beautifully constructed Barolo from the Barale team, classic tar, roses and delicately spicy hedgerow fruits. In the mouth the wine has a rich pliant tannic frame that underpins a palate of cherry, strawberry and damson, then some tar, liquorice and dried rose petals. Balanced and fragrant it is a joy with roasted meats. Drinking range: 2022 - 2030L&S (Apr 2022)

Very pretty red fruit, floral, underbrush, mocha and herbs. Sleek and mobile, real gloss, fine tannins, lovely purity of red fruits, roses, underbrush and tar. Great energy and push.Very pretty red fruit, floral, underbrush, mocha and herbs. Sleek and mobile, real gloss, fine tannins, lovely purity of red fruits, roses, underbrush and tar. Great energy and push. Drinking range: 2022 - 2035L&S (Oct 2021)

Bussia is renowned for the deep blue clay soil and a good slug of limestone that lies beneath and so always delivers wines with breadth and structure. The Barale family handle this power with theirBussia is renowned for the deep blue clay soil and a good slug of limestone that lies beneath and so always delivers wines with breadth and structure. The Barale family handle this power with their trademark restraint. Tasted after the Castellero - this is more firm on the palate immediately. There's a lovely clean scrub of fine, fine tannins. The grip is more ‘there’ than in the Castellero but then the whole thing is less showy and less gentle. A classically built Monforte wine - and deeply impressive. More sculpted and solid - but with plenty of firm ripe fruit there too. Still very fine in the way it delivers everything, but a great depth of dark fruit fills out the core with sinew and intensity. Nice flesh loaded with tar, damson, cherry and violet. The acidity is bright and balancing with great drive on the long finish.L&S (Oct 2021)

The nose here is subtle - but there is an indication of ripeness here and a suggestion of dark joy. On the palate this is far more open and charming. Juicy, lip-smacking kick of fruit but loaded withThe nose here is subtle - but there is an indication of ripeness here and a suggestion of dark joy. On the palate this is far more open and charming. Juicy, lip-smacking kick of fruit but loaded with zippy dark berries fruit. Lots of great bright crunch and balanced by good weight of brambling deep fruit.L&S (Jan 2022)

In Nebbiolo terms a shade lighter, but that still means there's a good healthy dose of tannin and some bitter blackcherry fruit. For robust suppers.In Nebbiolo terms a shade lighter, but that still means there's a good healthy dose of tannin and some bitter blackcherry fruit. For robust suppers.L&S (Jun 2022)

Nice aromatic blackberry, dark cherry, touch of mocha, maybe even floral nose. Slick and bright, lovely supple dark fruit, cherries and blackberry, delicious acidity, beautiful shape ripe tannins,Nice aromatic blackberry, dark cherry, touch of mocha, maybe even floral nose. Slick and bright, lovely supple dark fruit, cherries and blackberry, delicious acidity, beautiful shape ripe tannins, sleek and long.L&S (Jun 2022)

The fruit for this wine comes from a vineyard first planted in 1974, it spends 18 months in oak which imbues the wine with a sleek velvety texture. The nose is fulsome with dark cherry and blackberryThe fruit for this wine comes from a vineyard first planted in 1974, it spends 18 months in oak which imbues the wine with a sleek velvety texture. The nose is fulsome with dark cherry and blackberry fruits and silky vanilla. In the mouth the wine is bold and rich, black fruits, gentle spice and creamy textured, great with red meats and soft cheeses.L&S (Mar 2023)

Fragrant black cherry, blackberry and violets. In the mouth this is juicy and bright with great intensity of black fruit, lifted with a ripe fleshy fruit core, good tannic build and then greatFragrant black cherry, blackberry and violets. In the mouth this is juicy and bright with great intensity of black fruit, lifted with a ripe fleshy fruit core, good tannic build and then great freshness and length. Drinking range: 2022 - 2030L&S (Oct 2021)

Lavender, violets, blueberry and dark chocolate aromas amass on the nose. Sleek and ripe in the mouth, great drive and intensity, a little densit’s builds, with dark chocolate, deep blackberry notesLavender, violets, blueberry and dark chocolate aromas amass on the nose. Sleek and ripe in the mouth, great drive and intensity, a little densit’s builds, with dark chocolate, deep blackberry notes and a gentle whiff of coffee grains. Broader and fuller than the Serraboella at the moment, but no lack of freshness and drive. Drinking range: 2022 - 2030L&S (Oct 2021)

Lovely pure red fruit and floral perfume, strawberries, cherries, damson and roses. In the mouth there is a sensation of strawberry juice, crushed cherries all enveloped by full rich tannins, sleekLovely pure red fruit and floral perfume, strawberries, cherries, damson and roses. In the mouth there is a sensation of strawberry juice, crushed cherries all enveloped by full rich tannins, sleek delicious acidity and finishing with a lovely floral back note. Drinking range: 2022 - 2030L&S (Oct 2021)

Beautifully perfumed, raspberries, sour cherries, hawthorn, rose hip and mocha. In the mouth the fruit delivers with a red profile, sour cherries once more, damson and raspberries. There is grip andBeautifully perfumed, raspberries, sour cherries, hawthorn, rose hip and mocha. In the mouth the fruit delivers with a red profile, sour cherries once more, damson and raspberries. There is grip and a little sinew, fine rich tannins, a gorgeous lithe acid that gives shape and balance to the finish. Drinking range: 2024 - 2034L&S (Jan 2022)

A little tighter, more shy, with a darker fruit profile, cherry, damson, mocha and herb, lovely concentration. Fleshier and fuller in the mouth, the tannins are rich and full, layered with crushedA little tighter, more shy, with a darker fruit profile, cherry, damson, mocha and herb, lovely concentration. Fleshier and fuller in the mouth, the tannins are rich and full, layered with crushed cherries and plums, underbrush, herb and mocha. A touch firmer, yet also just that bit glossier in its approach, with delicious balance. Drinking range: 2025 - 2040L&S (Oct 2021)

(75 year old vines, DOCG obtained in 2005) Soil is calcareous over blue marl. Brightly fruited, fragrant blueberry, cherry, lavender, violets. Succulent and primary, joyous red fruited palate,(75 year old vines, DOCG obtained in 2005) Soil is calcareous over blue marl. Brightly fruited, fragrant blueberry, cherry, lavender, violets. Succulent and primary, joyous red fruited palate, floral, herbal with a touch of almond on the back palate. Sour cherry, soused plums. L&S (Jan 2023)

These grapes are grown on a beautiful parcel of vines that have come down from Granny Rinaldi, another great Piedmont family, so closely linked the the Abbonas. Loaded with fragrant sour cherry,These grapes are grown on a beautiful parcel of vines that have come down from Granny Rinaldi, another great Piedmont family, so closely linked the the Abbonas. Loaded with fragrant sour cherry, blackberry, piquant and fresh, good acid drive, juicy bright fruit, black berries, cherries and chocolate, has a wonderful tang that counters the richer fruit ideally.L&S (Jun 2022)

Different again, touch of marmite, earthy, savoury, mushroom, red fruits, spice and balsamic, dark chocolate. Rich and ripe, strawberries, chocolate cherries, sweeter, nice tannic grip, savoury,Different again, touch of marmite, earthy, savoury, mushroom, red fruits, spice and balsamic, dark chocolate. Rich and ripe, strawberries, chocolate cherries, sweeter, nice tannic grip, savoury, porcini mushroom and dried herbs. Drinking range: 2021 - 2031L&S (Oct 2021)

Fragrant balsamic, perfumed and concentrated, cherries, strawberries, bitter orange, fragrant herb, spice. Concentrated fruit core, dark and deep, cherries, liquorice, tobacco, spice and dried herbsFragrant balsamic, perfumed and concentrated, cherries, strawberries, bitter orange, fragrant herb, spice. Concentrated fruit core, dark and deep, cherries, liquorice, tobacco, spice and dried herbs and flowers, with some bitter orange on the finish. Drinking range: 2021 - 2031L&S (Oct 2021)

80 year old vines from the hallowed Bricco Boschis vineyard in Castiglione Falleto. Heavy soil with clay and lots of stones. This adds real power to to all the wines from here. Claudio ages this80 year old vines from the hallowed Bricco Boschis vineyard in Castiglione Falleto. Heavy soil with clay and lots of stones. This adds real power to to all the wines from here. Claudio ages this delicious Barbera for 6 months in 5HL barrels. Bright and fresh - this flies on a high plain. Great acidity - carries crisp red cherry fruit sleekly across the palate. Smooth and nicely polished core of fruit - some ripe notes pop out but this is zippy and lip-smacking at heart. Saline, seashore note on finish is good too. Moreish and sophisticated Barbera. L&S (Nov 2021)

A true Baby Barolo - this Nebbiolo undergoes the same harvest as Barolo, the same vinification as the Barolos. Then once made and in barrel Claudio tastes every botte and decides which will beA true Baby Barolo - this Nebbiolo undergoes the same harvest as Barolo, the same vinification as the Barolos. Then once made and in barrel Claudio tastes every botte and decides which will be labelled Barolo and age for longer - and which are due to be labelled Nebbiolo. This Langhe Nebbiolo sees 18 months in large oak Botte, then ages in bottle for at least 6 more months before release. Very inviting nose - broadly aromatic. Floral scent of dark petals. Palate is very fine. High toned again, but deeply concentrated. Lovely acidity bristles in the mid-palate then there is a super clean sweep of fine grip encasing the swooningly soft red fruit. Very sophisticated - very well made. A light touch somehow - but this is loaded too. Pretty Nebbiolo. L&S (Nov 2021)

This village blend comes from parcels of Claudio's vines from around the commune of Castiglione Falleto. There is a dramatic lift in power and intensity from the Langhe Nebbiolo. DeliciouslyThis village blend comes from parcels of Claudio's vines from around the commune of Castiglione Falleto. There is a dramatic lift in power and intensity from the Langhe Nebbiolo. Deliciously aromatic nose broad and persistent. Red fruit and brightness. Palate has such suave tannins again. More grip and hold. Suddenly so much more focus and seriousness too - yet this is not hard work at all "a really approachable young Barolo with some elegance, very like 2011" says Claudio. There is delicacy and a yet broad power too. Stony undertow adds freshness to the finish. Clever stuff in a classic shape with real charm. Bottled in August 2021.L&S (Nov 2021)

Bold aromatics, blood orange, slightly ferrous, tar, cherry, dark chocolate, broom, like a negroni, slightly wild in a good way. Again in the mouth there is bitter orange, red fruits, perfume,Bold aromatics, blood orange, slightly ferrous, tar, cherry, dark chocolate, broom, like a negroni, slightly wild in a good way. Again in the mouth there is bitter orange, red fruits, perfume, balsamic, underbrush, dark chocolate, game, never heavy, rich tannins, but succulent acid lift and push, exciting and unruly in a very contained way.L&S (Jan 2023)

Our first Barolo from the commune of Castiglione Falleto - famed for its balance between the elegance of La Morra and the power of Serralunga d’Alba. The vines run steeply down the hill right behindOur first Barolo from the commune of Castiglione Falleto - famed for its balance between the elegance of La Morra and the power of Serralunga d’Alba. The vines run steeply down the hill right behind the winery. This must be such hard work to farm as the angles are dramatic. Sandy soil - East South East facing - so this gets the morning sun, which is ideal at this altitude. Nose is jammed with joy. Rose, blood orange, some menthol mintiness too adds a cool freshness. Wow there is a lot to absorb here. What a great feel. This is complete, just polished enough. Just sweet enough. With pitch perfect grip that gently builds. Fruit is sweet plum, cranberries, strawberries - then orange - then sweet balsamico. Lovely energy and bounce - and that menthol note comes back to lift the finish in a deliciously cool way. Wonderful. Long and complete. Superbly satisfying. L&S (Nov 2021)

Made only in stainless steel, the Sottimano 2020 Dolcetto d’Alba Bric del Salto offers punchy and raw notes with terrific primary intensity. It is redolent of black cherry and Japanese plum withMade only in stainless steel, the Sottimano 2020 Dolcetto d’Alba Bric del Salto offers punchy and raw notes with terrific primary intensity. It is redolent of black cherry and Japanese plum with bitter almond and dried mint. Dolcetto is such a terrific wine for informal occasions involving a loaf of freshly baked sourdough bread with Italian cheeses and cold cuts. This wine represents a blend of fruit from S. Cristoforo, Basarin and Cottá. Some 10,0000 bottles were released. Drinking range: 2021 - 2023 Rating: 89 Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate (www.robertparker.com) (Jun 2021)

Beautiful deeply fruited, sleekly aromatic nose of black cherry, black berry, violet and sweet plum. An undercut of raspberry, blackberry, ripely acid damson, succulent and deep with a floral violetBeautiful deeply fruited, sleekly aromatic nose of black cherry, black berry, violet and sweet plum. An undercut of raspberry, blackberry, ripely acid damson, succulent and deep with a floral violet finish.L&S (May 2022)

Another stonker of a wine from Andrea that punches way above its pay grade. Gorgeous concentration, dark fruit, cherry and damson, some aromatic herbs and spice with dried rose petals adding a gentleAnother stonker of a wine from Andrea that punches way above its pay grade. Gorgeous concentration, dark fruit, cherry and damson, some aromatic herbs and spice with dried rose petals adding a gentle florality. In the mouth there are bold rich tannins, lovely acid that gives sap and drive, then plum and raspberry fruit, balsamic herbs, aniseed and delicate spice. Drinking range: 2021 - 2030L&S (Jul 2021)

The 2018 Barbaresco Cottá is one of the showier wines in the range, as it often is. It has that extra bit of mid-palate richness that is missing in some of the wines in this vintage. The fruitThe 2018 Barbaresco Cottá is one of the showier wines in the range, as it often is. It has that extra bit of mid-palate richness that is missing in some of the wines in this vintage. The fruit profiles leans toward the exotic end of the spectrum. Sweet red cherry, red plum, blood orange, mint, spicecake, kirsch and rose petal fill out the layers, lending a racy flair that is hugely appealing. Drinking range: 2026 - 2038 Rating: 93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Feb 2022)

50-70 year old vines, submerged cap for 2 months then 18 months on lees in large oak cask. Stunning aromatics, bitter orange, spice, flowers, dried herbs, dark cherries. In the mouth it is deeply50-70 year old vines, submerged cap for 2 months then 18 months on lees in large oak cask. Stunning aromatics, bitter orange, spice, flowers, dried herbs, dark cherries. In the mouth it is deeply succulent, ripe and with elegance and concentration, again bitter orange, cherries, damsons, spice, dried flowers and mocha. Drinking range: 2025 - 2035L&S (May 2022)

With fruit from Neive, the 2018 Barbaresco Fausoni is another gorgeous wine from Sottimano. This expression is polished and glossy, showing enormous purity to all the senses. You can get veryWith fruit from Neive, the 2018 Barbaresco Fausoni is another gorgeous wine from Sottimano. This expression is polished and glossy, showing enormous purity to all the senses. You can get very enthusiastic about this bottle, thanks to the graceful nature of its cassis, dried raspberry and plum-like aromas. These wines from the village of Neive show excellent results in this cooler 2018 vintage. Drinking range: 2024 - 2040 Rating: 94 Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate (www.robertparker.com) (Jun 2021)

Fragrant tobacco and spice, cumin and then dark cherries, dark chocolate, plums and liquorice. Elegant and beautifully structured, mocha, cherries, plum, floral, roses and tobacco, herbs. Sleek acid,Fragrant tobacco and spice, cumin and then dark cherries, dark chocolate, plums and liquorice. Elegant and beautifully structured, mocha, cherries, plum, floral, roses and tobacco, herbs. Sleek acid, richly textured, with lift and push. Drinking range: 2024 - 2035L&S (May 2022)

Menthol, ripe dark-skinned fruit and star anise aromas mingle with espresso on this linear, full-bodied red. The palate is structured and still youthfully austere, featuring Marasca cherry,Menthol, ripe dark-skinned fruit and star anise aromas mingle with espresso on this linear, full-bodied red. The palate is structured and still youthfully austere, featuring Marasca cherry, pomegranate, licorice and French oak sensations. Assertive, close-grained tannins provide firm support. Give it time to fully develop. Drinking range: 2026 - 2036 Rating: 94 The Wine Enthusiast www.winemag.com (Dec 2021)