2020 Vietti Barolo Brunate La Morra, Piedmont

The 2020 Barolo Brunate is a dark, beguiling wine. Black cherry, dried herbs, leather, game, licorice and incense lend gorgeous sepia-toned nuance. Brooding and inward, the 2020 clearly needs time. It is a super-classic Brunate that is hard to read in the early going, but the weight, substance and power are clearly there. Dense, meaty and dark, the 2020 shows Serralunga-like intensity.

94 points vinous.com

The 2020 Barolo Brunate is a more approachable and open wine in the range, with aromas of candied berries, blackberries, rocky soil, and a hint of purple flowers. It’s rounder in the palate, with ripe tannins and a good fresh lift on the finish, with notes of tea leaf and dried apricots. There’s more stuffing, but it remains true to its character. Drink 2025-2040.

Vietti was founded by Carlo Vietti in the late 1800s and is based in Castiglione Falletto. After marrying Luciana Vietti in the late 1950s, Alfredo Currado joined the operations of the winery and later was largely regarded as responsible for the resurrection of the Arneis grape. Until last year, the estate had been helmed by fifth-generation winemaker Luca Currado Vietti and his wife Elena, who have been the longtime champions of their family’s winery. In 2016, the estate was purchased by Krause Holdings, which had enabled Luca and Elena to continue their roles while simultaneously supporting significant growth, gaining sought-after site acquisitions for production such as Monvigliero in Barolo. Eugenio Palumbo, who has a long tenure with the winery in all operations, has assumed control as the winemaker of the estate today. Though the winery is in solid control in terms of the winemaking, the recent departure of Luca and Elena is certain to leave a spiritual hole impossible to fill any time soon.

95 points AF jebdunnuck.com

The Vietti 2020 Barolo Brunate has a dark and spicy side that is infused throughout the fruit. Dark cherry and blackcurrant are folded into ferrous earth, grilled rosemary, aniseed and a hint of fresh mint. Brunate tends to be quite austere and firm in terms of its aromas, and this vintage shows those qualities well. In fact, the character of the site comes through clearly. The wine has a precise, angular personality, and the fruit feels compact. Only 4,988 bottles were made.

Vietti has access to Nebbiolo from 10 MGA sites to make the various wines in its ample portfolio. We also have a new wine to celebrate—the 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà—that knocks it out of the ballpark with its inaugural release.

95 points ML robertparker.com

Harmonious and seductive with endless counts of aromas in good depth. Strawberries, crushed raspberries, fresh lavender, tile, mineral and mild spices. Medium to full body with chalky, powerful tannins. Bright and tense at the center with extensive development with sour cherries, mineral, white pepper and grapefruit. The lengthy finish is focused, precise and taut. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Try from 2027.

97 points jamessuckling.com