2012 Barolo Vigna Elena Riserva

Cogno's 2012 Barolo Riserva Vigna Elena is one of the finer wines of this generally uneven vintage. Ethereal and gracious, the Vigna Elena is deceptive in its structure and overall feel, and yet it has so much to say. The spice, rose petal, orange zest and bright red cherry fruit are all finely etched. A few years in bottle will help the tannins soften.

100% Rosè. Released two years after the other Elvio Cogno Barolos. Lustrous mid ruby with a narrow, orange rim. Pretty much similar to Bricco Pernice, but more brooding and with enormous concentration of ripe, sweet-sour cherry. With aeration, it increases noticeably in depth. A wine to wallow in. Compact and backward with succulent red fruit underneath. Very tight finish with bags of polished tannins. Not nearly ready. Taut, yet powerful. (WS)

The 2012 Barolo Riserva Ravera Vigna Elena is a dark and savory wine that has already passed into the magical realm of its tertiary evolution. The bouquet is extremely fine and equally complex with dried berry, toasted spice, tar, forest floor and freshly shaved truffle. That truffle note gives the wine a lot of territorial identity and immense charm. The tannins have integrated and show a very fine and polished nature. Only 4,000 bottles of this beautiful wine were produced. Sep 2018, www.robertparker.com