We'll start out with a single-vineyard Arneis from Giovanni Almondo. I tasted this wine when I first opened the shop and fell in love with it. It comes from the most elevated vineyards of Roero Arneis denomination, at 390m. From the top of this hill, you can see Monviso and Monte Rosa. Here, 40-year-old vineyards grow on a mainly sandy terroir, with accents of limestone and clay. A combination of mineral and marine hints, recalling the sandy soil which millions of years ago was in the sea. Fragrances of jasmine, apple, white peach, orange and acacia blossoms mix with balsamic notes of mint and anise. $23



Next a delicious Gavi from Olim Bauda. Beautiful straw yellow color with golden hues. Aromas with good strength, dominated by scents of white flowers. Fresh, soft and structured taste. 100% Cortese di Gavi grown at 300m on chalky soils gives this wine more texture than I usually find in Gavi $20



Elio Grasso is a superstar producer from Monforte D'Alba so it's no surprise the Dolcetto is a knockout. The 30 year old Dolcetto is grown at 280m in clay and limestone, Juicy with notes of blackberry with a hint of blueberries, crushed flowers, fresh soil, and a light minty lift. It’s light on its feet and reveals good ripeness, with a kiss of sweet fruit, fine tannins, and a clean finish. It’s elegant, charming, and nicely balanced, with a wonderfully approachable feel. $21



This single-vineyard Barbera by Cigiulti is one of the best I've ever had. This is not an afterthought but an intentional wine made from the Serraboella vineyard in Neive. A rich magenta/purple color, the 2021 Barbera D'Alba Vigna Serraboella is richly concentrated with aromas of ripe plum, mocha, lavender, candied lavender, and a nice lift of spice. Its palate is fresh and velvety in texture, with ripe tannins, fantastic length, and a great finish! $27 ***only 800 cases made and only a handful of bottles left in Oregon.



I find Langhe Nebbiolo can be similar to Côtes du Rhône or Bourgogne Rouge in the sense that quality is all over the map, but this wine is made with intention. The Nada Fiorenzo Langhe Nebbiolo is a glimpse at his Barbaresco at a fraction of the price. Rich and layered, the 2020 is a gorgeous, overachieving wine from the Nada family. Crushed flowers, mint, chalk, white pepper and rose petals drive through a core of bright, red-toned fruit. $29 



With 6 years on the Breza Barolo, you start to get a glimpse of what the wine will be down the road. The Barolo DOCG is made from a blend of Breza's Cru vineyard from Novello and Monforte D'Alba in the traditional method. Antonio Galloni said "The 2019 Barolo is a gorgeous entry-level offering from Brezza. In fact, it's one of the best editions of this wine I can remember tasting. Bright, translucent and full of character, the straight Barolo is all charm. Crushed red berry fruit, orange peel, sage, mint and sweet spice all lend notable complexity throughout." $45

We'll wrap things up with a 2019 Barbaresco from Giacosa Frattelli. Single- vineyard Gianmate, located in the Basarin area, one of the most prestigious crus in Neive-Barbaresco. The color is bright ruby red. The nose is of red fruit, cherry and blueberry first and foremost, with a nice side of hints of leather, cocoa and a hint of balsamic herbs. The sip is rather fresh, with a very present fruit and a rather pleasant finish with tones of cocoa and spices. Aggressive but manageable tannins, medium persistence. $63