Cranberries, dried herbs, underbrush, sage, minerals and violets on the nose. Very aromatic and absorbing. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with precise, linear, elegant fruit; firm, balanced tannins; and a compact, racy finish. Outstanding balance.

The 2021 Barolo Brunate is dark, sensual and layered in the glass. Strong balsamic inflections wrap around a core of dark red-toned fruit. Cedar, orange peel and new leather add striking layers of exotic dimension. Deceptive at first, the 2021 packs plenty of Brunate punch. The long, persistent finish is captivating. This is everything Barolo should be.

Moving over to La Morra, the Ceretto 2021 Barolo Brunate is a classical expression of one of the most representative vineyards in this village. You get the delicate fruits associated with Nebbiolo, but you also get the mint that is common to Brunate. If you walk through this vineyard in springtime, you often smell fresh mint brushing against your shoes. Brunate also has an elegant mineral signature of crushed limestone. It ages in 300-liter French oak for 12 months followed by 24 months in French oak botte and then another 12 months in bottle.

A spicy version, whose cherry, raspberry, rose, iron and eucalyptus flavors are shaded by a hint of new oak. This is pure and solid, while the dusty tannins exert themselves on the finish. Shows excellent balance and a long, fruit-infused aftertaste.