Cherry, bright berry and cassis emerge from the Bruno Giacosa 2020 Nebbiolo d'Alba Vigna Valmaggiore. This is a somewhat looser, more open-knit approach to Nebbiolo that offers a delightful, fruit-forward mouthfeel that is characterized by moments of delicate softness and, alternatively, bright freshness. Blue flowers and violets appear on the close.

This is rich and round, boasting plum, cherry, iron and tea flavors, backed by a dense matrix of refined tannins. Ends moderately long. Drink now through 2028. 300 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Nebbiolo d'Alba Select to Add

This aromatic red exhibits strawberry, cherry, white pepper and licorice scents. Earth and tobacco flavors chime in as this builds on the palate to a long, well-structured finish. Drink now through 2025. 875 cases made, 225 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Nebbiolo d'Alba Select to Add

The 2017 Nebbiolo d'Alba Vigna Valmaggiore is hitting the market as I write this review. The Giacosa family never made a Langhe Nebbiolo and instead focused their efforts on a site-specific expression of Nebbiolo to fill in the lower end of their portfolio. The 2017 Nebbiolo d'Alba Vigna Valmaggiore hails from an always over-performing site in Roero that is distinguished by floral notes and bright berry intensity. This hot vintage is more accessible and near term (compared to 2016); however, it offers plenty of that pretty floral intensity that makes Valmaggiore so special.

Enticing, featuring delicate floral, cherry, strawberry and mineral flavors, allied to an elegant frame. Firm tannins hold court on the long finish, but this is balanced overall. Drink now through 2024. 1,175 cases made, 500 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Nebbiolo d'Alba Select to Add