Aromas of wild strawberry, eucalyptus, new leather and pressed rose come to the forefront on the lovely 2020 Ravera from Elvio Cogno along with a whiff of citrus. Elegantly structured and almost ethereal, the smooth, savory palate features juicy red berry, star anise and juicy tangerine accompanied polished tannins.

The Elvio Cogno 2020 Barolo Ravera is a plush and fleshed-out expression with dark fruit, dried cherry, plum, sweet iris root, earth, toast and dark spice. The wine is quite firm, and there is a nice sense of richness that covers the palate. This wine sees fruit from across the estate's 2.5-hectare MGA site, and 15,000 bottles were released.- ML

This aromatic red exudes spice and savory notes of eucalyptus, juniper, rose hip, bergamot and white pepper. Cherry, iron and tobacco flavors follow through as this tightens up on the long finish. Though balanced, this needs time for all its components to knit together. Best from 2028 through 2049. 625 cases made, 365 cases imported.

From a 2.5ha vineyard at 380m with exposure to the south, the wine is vinified in stainless steel then aged for 24 months in large 25-30-hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels. A precise style, more reductive than oxidative, with a rich fruitiness reminiscent of raspberry jam, floral touches, black pepper and liquorice. Fresh with velvety yet chewy tannins on the mid-palate, leading to a chocolatey finish.

Youthful ripe ruby in color, the 2020 Barolo Ravera shows off a sweet perfume of preserved strawberries, ripe peaches, candied roses, fresh herbs, and oregano. Medium-bodied, it floats on the palate with a mouthwatering feel, fine tannins, and an elegantly long finish. This is a very pretty wine to enjoy over the next 10-15 years.<!--more-->Elvio Cogno founded his eponymous estate in 1991, after working for 30 years in partnership with Marcarini with the labels of Cogno-Marcarini. Originally from Novello, he had an opportunity to purchase the winery farmhouse, Cascina Nuova, located in the commune of Novello, in the heart of the Ravera Cru (MGA). That same year, he put Ravera on the map by producing the first-ever bottling of Barolo labeled as Ravera. They currently operate and own 16 hectares of vines, 11 of which are within the Cru of Ravera, and the remaining 5 hectares are parcels around the Novello Comune. Today the estate is run by Elvio’s son-in-law, Valter Fissore, and his daughter Nadia, who took over in 1996. In the vineyards, they continue to push forward, working to improve vineyard health and implement organic farming practices while adapting to the region's changing climate conditions. The total annual production is approximately 120,000 bottles. Their key holdings include the pre-phylloxera Barbera sourced from Berri on the western edge of La Morra, from 130-year-old vines. They survive because of the sandier soils and the cooler microclimate, which sees more wind coming off the river to the west. Less than 2000 bottles are produced each year. The Barolo from Bricco Pernice is a warmer microclimate within Ravera, as it is sheltered from the winds coming off the mountains, with soils that are a higher proportion of limestone compared to the other plots within Ravera. Bricco Pernice is entirely composed of the Lampia clone of Nebbiolo. Also within Ravera, Elvio planted Vigna Elena in 1991, the same year Valter and Nadia’s daughter Elena was born. It is a triangle-shaped parcel, uniquely planted exclusively to the Rose clone of Nebbiolo, whereas the rest of their Nebbiolo vines are composed of Michet and Lampia clones. In 2005, they had the opportunity to work with Bordini in Neive to begin producing their Barbaresco.

A name that resonates with wine lovers has again, crafted a remarkable wine from the Ravera cru. The nose is a captivating fusion of dark fruits, such as blackberries and plums, intertwined with an enchanting array of spices like cinnamon, clove, and anise. Herbal notes of rosemary and thyme add an intriguing layer of complexity, while a touch of medicinal character hints at the wine's classic roots. On the palate, it's tannins frame the wine in a way that lifts up each element generating a substantial experience. Drink 2026 - 2045 — Jeff Porter