Planted in 1991, the year the Elvio Cogno winery was founded, this vineyard was baptised with the name of Nadia Cogno and Valter Fissore’s daughter, born in the same year. It was planted with the Nebbiolo Rosé biotype, the lightest and most elegant Nebbiolo. Vigna Elena is about one hectare, inside the Ravera cru, and its soils are calcareous-clay with a southeast exposure at about 380m above sea level. Post-fermentation maceration is for 30 days with submerged cap, followed by 36 months of ageing in large 50hl Slavonian oak barrels. This 2017 shines for its Parma violet elegance allied to cinnamon spice, a restrained soapy rosewater scent, and savoury depth of camphor and subtle balsam. The attack is velvety, full, supple and refreshing. The savouriness is dominant, and the finish displays a glycerol layer and lifted acidity with extremely elegant tannins. It's a bit warming, if you want to find something not perfect in this wine. (AF)

Though it was a very dry year, this vintage still managed to keep its impressive elegance. The wine opens with enticing aromas of wild cherry, fresh and dried roses, incense, wild herbs and savory spice. The palate is an example of thoughtfulness and craft with a core of deep wild berries, black tea, and crushed stones that are all supported by supple tannins and lifted acidity. (JF)

Ever so supple and laced with cherry, raspberry, rose, licorice and mineral flavors, this Barolo is complex, harmonious and long. This is as much about the silky texture as any of the other elements that make this so compelling. Shows superb length on the finish. (BS)