From one of the best sites in Barolo, this intense wine opens with a multi-dimensional fragrance of crushed flower, new leather, earth, incense, spice and black cherry. The vibrant, spicy palate delivers red berry accented with notes of black pepper, cinnamon spice, licorice and clove. Bold but noble tannins and brisk acidity promise fantastic aging potential. Drink 2020–2050.

Surprisingly lightweight and streamlined in the mouth, the 2010 Barolo Sarmassa seems to depart the senses as quickly as it arrives. You definitely get the sense this wine has more to offer once it fleshes out with extra bottle aging. The bouquet offers a pretty, though faint, embroidery of forest fruit, cola, almond paste and medicinal herb. It does show fine elegance throughout and great promise as a result. Drink: 2016-2024. - Monica Larner