A truly excellent Darmagi in a classic cabernet style with blackcurrant, mint, blackberry, stones and ginger. Full-bodied, chewy and polished. Undertones of citrus. Super red. Almost all cabernet sauvignon with 3% merlot and 2% cabernet franc. Better in 2019.

The powerful and impeccable 2012 Langhe Darmagi is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a tiny drop of Merlot mixed into the blend. The wine is gorgeous and shows extremely well in this warm vintage. It opens to dark penetration and a thickly extracted, but always elegant style. The tannins are very well managed with soft contours and a firm inner crunchiness that adds backbone and determination. Softer layers of cherry and blackberry fuel the long, opulent finish. - Monica Larner

Packed with violet, black currant, black cherry and spice flavors, this red is rich and smooth, with intensity and depth. Balanced and long, presenting a lingering aftertaste of fruit, spice and iron. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2017 through 2023. — B.S.