Bruno Rocca Barbaresco Riserva Curra 2018

This is an impressive wine that beautifully captures the classic personality of this vintage. The Bruno Rocca 2016 Barbaresco Currà sees fruit from Neive, a subzone that is often characterized by the subtle power and structure of its wines. In this vintage, Currà shows balanced fruit intensity with delicate hints of toasted almond, iron rust and aniseed. There is depth and persistence for long cellar aging. What I like best about this wine is that it captures the essence of Barbaresco, a winemaking zone focused on Nebbiolo that often delivers a more open-knit and fragile interpretation when compared to neighboring Barolo. Currà is aged in small oak barrels for one year, with a second year in large oak casks, topped off with 10 months in bottle.

Fragrant purple flower, tilled soil, wild berry and an espresso note shape the enticing nose. Elegantly structured, the focused palate delivers juicy red cherry, strawberry compote and licorice while taut fine-grained tannins provide seamless support. It's nicely balanced, with bright acidity. Drink 2022–2036.

Such beautiful, ripe fruit on the nose with strawberry and floral undertones. Medium-bodied with round, juicy tannins. Orange peel and hints of meat. Some walnut undertones. Drink after 2023.

A dense, compact version, whose cherry and raspberry fruit is hidden behind tar, iron, woodsy underbrush flavors and big, beefy tannins. Patience required. Best from 2024 through 2045.