Aromas of forest floor, wild herb and new leather mingle with whiffs of rose and black tea. Savory and elegant, the linear palate shows dried cherry, crushed mint and baking spice alongside taut, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. 2027-2039.

The Meruzzano cru straddles both the villages of Alba and Treiso. Mustela farms a two-hectare site (at a breezy 470 meters in elevation) with a mix of rocky limestone soils that are classic in Barbaresco. With 4,000 bottles produced, the 2019 Barbaresco Karmico delivers nice intensity with rich fruit texture that feels silky and firm. It shows cassis and dried berry aromas with spice and crushed white pepper at the back. Karmico is aged in French oak for 24 months. I love this wine's bright personality.