A cooler year overall, 2012 presented a variety of challenges. Heavy rains at flowering resulted in poor fruit set, reducing yields. Cogno's vineyards were spared the hail that struck nearby sites and also avoided summer temperature spikes. There is lovely purity and precision here, with hints of strawberry and cinnamon buried under seductive earth and truffle nuances. It's crunchy and elegant, yet sneaky in its concentration and layers of tannin. Drinking Window 2021 - 2039

Lovely scents of rose petal, iris and perfumed berry slowly take shape in this striking wine. The full-bodied palate delivers ripe red cherry, licorice, white pepper, cinnamon and sage alongside firm, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. A mineral note wraps around the finish. Hold for even more complexity; drink 2019–2024.

Starts out softly, with cherry, floral, licorice and earth notes, building in intensity to a long finish. Elegant yet tightly wound, featuring a compact, if long and fresh, finish. Needs time. Best from 2020 through 2034. 1,380 cases made. –BS

The Elvio Cogno 2012 Barolo Ravera sees fruit sourced from a single vineyard that spans from Barolo to the nearby Novello township (where the winery is located). The wine follows faithfully in the house style that sees an impeccable, albeit very opulent and bold aromatic profile. This wine lives up to the Cogno promise of rich, luscious fruit flavors with bold cherry, spice, leather and tobacco. Delicate tones of cola, truffle and licorice give lift at the back. The tannins are young and show some astringent tightness that needs extra time to integrate. -Monica Larner