This is wonderfully succulent and refined with blueberry, lavender and sandalwood aromas and flavors. Botanical, with some junipers. Medium body, integrated tannins and a long finish. Very pretty. Polished tannins. The salted meat undertones on the palate make it very savory. Drink or hold.

The 2011 Langhe Nebbiolo Conteisa is an irresistible wine with enormous depth, beauty and penetration. It sweeps over the palate in opulent waves with dark fruit, spice, leather and grilled herbs. It also shows a distinct balsam personality with cola and dried violets that give the wine a beautiful sense of aromatic lift and buoyancy. Langhe Conteisa is made with Nebbiolo (and a tiny part Barbera) from the Cerequio vineyard in La Morra. The 2011 vintage is slightly broader than past vintages, but this wine promises a long drinking evolution regardless. - Monica Larner