2022 Cantina D'Arcy Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont

There’s no second-album syndrome for this beautiful wine. Myers’ Langhe Nebbiolo 2022 is drawn from the Bricco San Pietro, the MGA in Monforte d’Alba that lies east of the township. Rooted in the classic clay-rich marl soils of Sant’Agata, Myers’ parcel is set in a shady little conclave of the vineyard where the vines have been farmed organically for many years. This year, the cuvée was mostly destemmed (10-15% left as bunches), while natural ferments, measured time on skins and pinpoint extraction form the blueprint for this perfumed and sensual young Nebbiolo. 

Matured in concrete for 11 months and bottled unfiltered, there’s a purity and perfumed delicacy that belies the warm, dry season. Indeed, Myers thinks the new release is more on the classical side than his 2020 (he sees 2022 as an enhanced version of the 2017 vintage). Myers’ passion for the aromatic complexity of fine Burgundy is again on show with this gloriously pretty expression of Piemonte. Expect all kinds of flowers, jubey, red fruit notes and a lick of subtle, nettle-like savouriness. The wine only builds from there. It’s delicate yet intense, with fine tannins, and it loves air at this stage (just shipped), so don’t be scared to decant. It’s not your average Langhe Nebbiolo, and it’s absolutely delicious.