Showing more oak rendering and depth, the 2019 Barbera d'Alba Vittoria (with 4,500 bottles made) exhibits a much bigger and broader style compared to the estate's steel-aged Barbera. This wine sees 18 months in barrique, with about one-third new oak. The aging process serves to flesh out the dark fruit, dark cherry and plum. It creates a wine of bigger structure too, opening it up to more food-pairing possibilities, from meat lasagna to grilled steak. MONICA LARNER
Showing structure, class, finesse and focus, the gorgeous 2019 Vigna Rionda from Guido Porro is a show stopper. On the delicious palate, notes of cinnamon, star anise, truffle and saline accent a juicy raspberry core. Firm, refined tannins and bright acidity keep balanced and energized. Drink 2029-2049. (98) KERIN O'KEEFE