Aromas of rose, violet, red berry and baking spice mingle with a whiff of menthol on the nose of this compelling, gorgeous red. The vibrant, full-bodied palate is all about flair and finesse, delivering crushed raspberry, Marasca cherry, licorice and a hint of tobacco, all framed by taut, fine-grained tannins. Young and intense, it will be ideal after a few more years of aging, but will continue to develop for decades.

"Wow. Such depth in the nose of strawberries, flowers and hints of raw meat. Crushed stones, too. Full body, fine and dusty tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Shows structure and finesse. Drink in 2020."

The 2015 Barbaresco Costa Russi is once again striking in 2015. Vertical and lifted, with tremendous energy, the 2015 has so much to offer. Once the most easygoing of the three Barbaresco crus, Costa Russi has inched up in quality in recent years. The 2015 shows the suave mid-palate and raciness that is so typical of this wine, and yet it also has much more obvious structural underpinnings than once was the case. I can't wait to see how it ages.

"From a cooler, hillside site to the southeast of the appellation with heavier clay and limestone soils. This expresses a cooler style of Nebbiolo, leaning towards a Pinot Noir flavour profile. It has a floral character with a gorgeous perfume of citrus notes and raspberries. Pure red berry sweetness with succulent, juicy acidity and racy tannins. Stunningly elegant, this is delicious and desirable now. Wonderful to drink or keep. Aged in 30% new oak. Drinking Window 2018 - 2035"

Earthy base notes are the hallmarks of this rich, muscular red. Plum, cherry, spice, tobacco and mineral flavors mingle, and the refined tannins provide lift on the long aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2042.

The 2015 Barbaresco Costa Russi was about to be bottled before I tasted it. Like the other wines from this warm vintage, you are treated to extra plushness and roundness with dark berry fruit intensity. This wine also offers unexpected mineral tones that come off as crushed oyster shell and talc powder. These add to the drying, almost nervous, tension you feel in the mouth.