Enticing aromas of cherry, white pepper, mint and spice introduce this rich red. A tightly-woven matrix of tannins lurks beneath it all, yet this should come together nicely in a few years. All the components are there. Best from 2023 through 2040. 400 cases made, 150 cases imported.

The 2017 Barbaresco Bricco di Neive Vie Erte packs a serious punch. Bright red cherry fruit, white pepper, iron, mint, game, smoke and dried herbs give the Vie Erte a distinctly feral, savory quality. Today, the 2017 is austere and tightly wound, so readers will have to be patient. There is plenty of intrigue, that is for certain. Yields are down to whopping 60%.