2004 Elvio Cogno Barolo Ravera

A tense, brilliant wine, the 2004 Barolo Ravera shows many of the elements that make this high elevation district between Novello and Barolo so alluring. The flavors are bright and beautifully nuanced throughout, with beams of underlying salinity that give the wine much of its vibrancy. Cinnamon, cloves, orange peel, plums and black cherries flow through the precise finish. Although the 2004 is quite expressive today, it is also a wine of sensuality and mystery that still has a lot to say. This is an absolutely striking Barolo from Cogno.

Novello, 24 months in botti. Perfumed and even a little exotic but with a strong leathery overlay. A very firm grip but with juicy freshness and depth to balance in a restrained traditional style. (JH)

The 2004 Barolo Ravera is another beautiful effort. Ravera is a vineyard that typically yields wines with a firm tannic spine, yet this Barolo has plenty of fruit to provide an engaging counterpoint. Dark cherries, plums, tar and smoke all come to life as this elegant, medium-bodied Barolo struts its stuff. The Barolo Ravera is aged for a year in French oak (40% new) followed by a second year in cask.