2016 G.D. Vajra "Ravera" Barolo

The 2016 Barolo Ravera is tough as nails today, but it has striking inner sweetness and remarkable persistence. Even so, readers will have to exercise a great deal of patience, as the 2016 is not likely to offer much in the way of pleasure for a number of years. Bright red cherry, mint, white pepper, blood orange and dried flowers give the 2016 brilliant top notes to match its finely sculpted feel. Veins of acidy and tannin add razor-sharp precision throughout. I can't wait to taste this in another few years' time. (AG)

This wine’s red-cherry and raspberry flavors are juicier and richer than the Vaira family’s taut Bricco delle Viole in 2016, though this is another long-lived wine with plenty of aging potential. Cool mineral tones support those ripe red fruit tones, and the wine picks up notes of licorice and menthol as it surges to a fresh finish.