Luigi Pira, Barolo Rionda

Luigi Pira, Barolo RiondaThe 2008 Barolo Vigna Rionda possesses striking inner perfume and sweetness as it wraps around the palate. Raspberries, hard candy, flowers, mint and sweet spices are some of the many notes that flow from this effortless, sensual Barolo. Silky tannins are present, but they are nearly covered by the pure sensuality of the fruit. Today the Rionda is supple, sweet and totally inviting. The finish is intense and totally haunting. This is an exceptional,

Pol Roger's 2012 Brut Blanc de Blancs is terrific

tannic finish that has immense precision

espresso and graphite

and should ultimately become elegant as well as powerful

All the elements simply fall into place in an effortless

This is sleekly muscled with a structured but balanced finish that is austere but impressively persistent

it is taut yet multilayered

A lightly menthol-infused nose that is exceptionally ripe yet stops short of being surmature remains almost 100% primary with ample black fruit and spice aromas seamlessly merging into the rich

While subtle

Cathiard is on top

the other 10% is Cabernet Franc

blackberry and licorice