Albino Rocca Masterclass & Dinner

The 2020 Barbaresco Ovello Vigna Loreto is a bright, nervy Barbaresco. Kirsch, dried ?owers, chalk, mint and white pepper give the 2020 its distinctive upper register. This mid-weight, vibrant Barbaresco needs time to soften. It is the most reticent of these wines. (93) ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

Aromas of ripe strawberries and cherries with tree bark, nutmeg and sandalwood undertones. Medium- to full-bodied with fine tannins that are melted into the wine. Solid fruit core and vivid acidity with a tense, lengthy finish. Try from 2025. (95) JAMES SUCKLING

The 2020 Barbaresco Angelo is an exotic wine. Macerated cherry, white ?owers, apricot and spice are some of the many notes that grace this sensual, super-expressive Barbaresco. Fine tannins wrap it all together while lifted ?oral accents frame the ?nish. The Angelo is beautifully done. (94) ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

Overt and ripe on the nose with watermelon, strawberries, rhubarb and sweet violets. Medium-bodied and delicate on the palate, this has velvety, integrated tannins and overall freshness. Drink or hold. (94) ALDO FIORDELLI, Vinous

The Barbera is drawn from three parcels. The first vineyard is the esteemed Ronchi Cru. Then, a parcel of vines planted in 2004 in the sandstone-rich soils of San Rocco Seno d'Elvio—just outside the Alba township, on the edge of the Barbaresco area. More recently, a parcel of 20-year-old Barbera from Castagnito, on the opposite side of the Tanaro River, has joined the party.

Like most Rocca wines, the Nebbiolo d’Alba is from a single site—a parcel between Barolo and Barbaresco in the westernmost section of the Seno d'Elvio subzone. Aptly (and nowt to do with Tolkien), this area is known locally as Terra di Mezzo (middle earth). The Nebbiolo vines vary in age from 15 to 60 years, and the Roccas mature this wine for 12 months in large Austrian and German oak casks. Rocca’s Nebbiolo d’Alba perennially offer outstanding depth and interest for the money. This ‘baby Barbaresco’ also gives us a preview of what to expect from the Barbaresco to be released next year (a very significant one in this case!) while acting as the perfect, early-drinking understudy.

The 2022 Barbaresco is a fine introduction to the Barbarescos at this address. Soft, open-knit and forward, the 2022 will drink well with minimal cellaring. A burst of ripe red fruits, blood orange, spice and floral notes caresses the palate. All the elements are so well balanced. ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

A floral style, showing roses and violets at the forefront as well as pomegranate and a slightly peppery character. Medium-bodied, it shows fierce, fresh structure with chewy tannins and a spicy finish. Focused on youthfulness. Try from 2026. ALDO FIORDELLI, James Suckling

The 2022 Barbaresco Ronchi turned out beautifully. Energetic, vivid and vibrant, the 2022 has a lot to offer. Crushed red berry fruit, mint and white pepper give the Ronchi its nervy, vibrant feel. I would give it a year or two in bottle. (94) ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

A floral and peppery style. On the nose, it shines with fresh roses and violets, a vibrant mix of blood oranges and strawberries plus a touch of sweet spices. Smooth on the attack, it has medium body and refreshing acidity. The velvety tannins turn biting in the savory finish. Youthful overall. Try from 2026. ALDO FIORDELLI , Vinous

The 2022 Barbaresco Cottá is explosive, deep and heady. It shows a bit more concentration and depth relative to the other wines in the range, along with the textural volume that is typical of this site. Dark red cherry, plum, lavender and rose petal are beautifully resonant in the glass. This is all class, and easily one of the wines of the year. (96) ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

An elegant and restrained wine with aromas of rhubarb, earth, strawberries and sweet spices. Medium-bodied on the palate, showing silky tannins and a dusty finish that’s ripe and fresh. Good floral and citrus aftertaste. Drinkable now, but best from 2026. (94) ALDO FIORDELLI , Vinous

The 2022 Barbaresco Ovello Vigna Loreto is powerful and ample, yet also quite translucent. Potent tannins make themselves felt but are beautifully integrated into the wine's fabric. Blood orange, spice, tobacco, dried flowers and mint are nicely laced together. This is such a classy wine. (94) ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

Good mix of fresh red cherries, licorice and roses on the nose, with a savory touch of citrus. Velvety on the palate, with ripe tannins, refreshing acidity, a medium to full body and a citrusy aftertaste. A relatively simple yet crunchy and flavorful Barbaresco. Drinkable now, but best from 2026. (94) ALDO FIORDELLI , Vinous