2019 Barolo, Brunate, Ceretto, Piedmont, Italy

Lustrous ruby with orange tinges. Youthful, firm, red-fruit nose with peppery tingle and really expanding in the glass. With aeration more aromatic raspberry notes with hints of oatmeal. Has an elegant palate weight and is finely balanced with firm yet ripe tannins. Very youthful and compact on the finish, which reveals a big tannic charge that indicates this needs much more time.

Drink 2027 - 2040

The 2019 Barolo Brunate is gorgeous. We have clearly moved from Barbaresco and into Barolo in this tasting. Rich, creamy and inviting, the Brunate possesses gorgeous depth and striking textural resonance. Red fruit, spice, tobacco and cedar open first, followed by a range of savory and floral top notes that extend effortlessly. There's terrific energy and class here.

Drink 2029 - 2044

Ripe, sweet, floral jammy tones on the nose, burnt/toasted patisserie, a baked fruit pie smell that is so wonderfully alluring about the Ceretto wines to me. Stylish and svelte, this has supreme charm despite being a powerhouse of a wine. Dense but sleek tannins fill the mouth, powdery and slightly metallic, a gorgeous minerality, but also with cola, dark chocolate, raspberries and pink flowers.

It's taught and direct, not friendly so much, but so well worked with drive and persistency. Lively and upfront, this is out to charm and it does but in a quiet, compelling direct way. Characterful and delicious. Slate edged finish leaving the salinity. Punchy and piercing the whole way through - just excellent. New to the Place de Bordeaux this year.

Drink 2024 - 2040