2020 Barolo, Mauro Veglio, Piedmont, Italy

The 2020 Barolo is redolent of sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, mint, dried cherry and incense. The blend of sites (50% La Morra and 50% Serralunga/Monforte) works so well here. Medium in body and gracious, with lovely understated presence, the straight Barolo is a fine introduction to this range.

Medium red/ruby in color, the 2020 Barolo has a polished and pure nose with aromas of ripe raspberries, fresh leather, anise, and rose petals. Approachable and medium-bodied, it’s fresh and elegant, with clean acidity, fine tannins, and a tapered finish. It’s appealing now and will do well over the next 4-6 years.

Crisp and fruity developing notes of crushed strawberries, red currants, stones, peppercorns and dried flowers on the nose. Medium body with firm tannins and sharp acidity at this stage. Racy and vivid with plenty of energy at the crunchy and slightly tart finish.

Drink after 2027

The savory 2020 Barolo from Mauro Veglio opens with aromas of wild rose, black-skinned berry and eucalyptus. The full-bodied palate offers Morello cherry, sage and mocha alongside firm tannins.

The samples I tasted were closed, or reduced, and I noticed the same thing last year. With a little extra swirling, you can get a better read of the Mauro Veglio 2020 Barolo. Aged in barrique for 24 months (with 15% new oak; the rest is neutral), the wine awakens slowly to tart cherry, navel orange and earthy root. I suggest that you give the wine extra time to breathe and a double decant. This is a 30,000-bottle release.

Just mid ruby. Exciting open nose of damson and cinnamon. Generous and lush with the perfect dose of soft, gritty tannins. Super-hedonistic and delicious and ready now.