Vietti Barolo Monvigliero Verduno 2020

A new addition (1st wine in 2019 I believe) - from sandy marl soils. At the top of the Barolo appellation and using some whole cluster. This is imparting more spice and pepper to a tighter, leaner wine. Wild berry notes and Provencal herbs are layered on a cherry and kirsch profile, before a really fresh, aromatic finish. Reminds me of Sandrone Valmaggiore. Ian Cook, FWC.

A relatively new departure for Vietti, the 2020 Barolo Monvigliero is soft and delicate with pretty floral aromas, dried iris, powdered spice and a hint of tar or road pavement. The inaugural vintage was 2018. Made with 60% whole-cluster fruit during fermentation, the wine has a moment of tartness, punchy highlights, sweet grenadine and cranberry jelly. It ages in large oak casks for 24 months. Production is 6,754 bottles. 95 points, Drink 2026-2045, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate.

The 2020 Barolo Monvigliero sees 60% whole cluster fermentation, which contributes to a bit of spice that comes through in the wine. Offering notes of saline cinnamon, cranberries, white pepper and orange peel, it's lean and weightless on the palate, an elegant and graceful red with supple, fine tannins and a clean mouthfeel. Highly refined, this very pretty wine is going to improve over the next 7-10 years. 95 points, drink 2025-2035, Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com.