Acclaim

2017 Marcarini Lasarin Langhe Nebbiolo (A$38) had strong support from Paterson. “The wine has excellent fruit reserve and savoury undertones,” she began. “The palate is well-defined and gently structural with appealing dried cherry. It unravels slowly in the glass, revealing subtle layers and nuances. A lovely wine.” I note raspberry and raspberry leaf and an excellent combination of sweet fruit and savouriness. There’s plenty of drying tannins, but the depth of flavour handles it with ease.

2018 Poderi Luigi Einaudi Langhe Nebbiolo (A$53) received top points from Bourne. “Abundant perfumes of violet, peony, raspberry and cranberry,” he said. “Spicy palate with lots of meaty and umami flavours. Complete and harmonious. Fine long tannins drive the finish.” The sweet and savoury flavours are mouthfilling and match the generous, dry finish.

2016 Conterno Fantino Ginestrino Langhe Nebbiolo (A$75), unusually, has a deep garnet-red colour. The nose matches it, dense and closed, with dark cherry and plum. The palate’s very savoury, powerful, even brooding, with dusty, dry tannins. “It’s super complex,” said Curkovic. “Spice and tar, black olive and black cherry. Beef stock, balsamic and herb notes. Extraordinary depth and length.” Please give it time. And flavoursome food.

The 2017 Rosso di Montepulciano Prugnolo is soft, fruity and floral, all of which make it quite delicious today. I would prefer to drink it over the next few years, while the red cherry/ strawberry fruit remains bright and fresh.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Mar. 2020

Made with organically grown grapes, this has aromas of black-skinned berry, tilled soil and leather. The savory palate offers dried black cherry, star anise and white pepper alongside polished tannins. Enjoy through 2022. KERIN O’KEEFE

Editor’s Choice

This opens with aromas of walnut and orange liqueur. Reflecting the nose, the palate, doles out candied orange zest, acacia honey and walnut while fresh acidity boosts the rich flavors. KERIN O’KEEFE

Balsamic aromas evoking eucalyptus and new leather align with mature plum and exotic spice on this ethereally elegant red. Made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Colorino, the smooth, polished palate delivers sour cherry, cranberry and licorice before a coffee finish. Lithe tannins provide support. Drink through 2027. KERIN O’KEEFE

Made with organically grown grapes, this single-vineyard bottling opens with intense aromas of red berry, violet, cooking spice and a balsamic note. The juicy, lively palate features red cherry, cinnamon and star anise alongside smooth tannins. Drink soon to enjoy the fruit richness. KERIN O’KEEFE