Italy

Juicy and fresh, this blend of Barbera and Nebbiolo is a charming, delicious wine from Clerico. There’s the intensity and juicy character you’d expect from 2017, but still with plenty of acidity. Bravo.

The Pajana comes from the Ginestra cru in Monforte d'Alba, and is undoubtedly a Grand Cru of Barolo, particularly in 2016. Intense on the nose, with notes of tar and rose petal, the palate is structured and intense. This is a viscerally thrilling wine: one with astonishing poise and balance. So long, and so impressive.

The fruit on this Barolo, a selection of the most open barrels, that then goes into large casks, is breathtaking. There’s intensity and purity, with also plenty of fine tannins and loads of energy. This is brilliantly balanced, and so long. Wonderful.

A fresh, open, charming expression of Nebbiolo in 2018. Silky tannins, lively acidity, and notes of rose petal and pomegranate, and plenty of grapefruit pith, too. This is very well put together: a wine you want to drink and drink.

A little more closed today, there’s delicate strawberry fruit on the nose, as well as a pomegranate nose. On the palate there’s a richness, but perfectly balanced by grippy Serralunga tannins and loads of energy. So, so well balanced, but in need of a bit of time.