Cantine Ascheri Giacomo Ascheri Barolo 2021 750ml

A taut red, with hay and grass aromas giving way to cherry, strawberry, earth and iron flavors. This has all the components in the right place, with a firm structure and lightly astringent finish. Shows fine harmony and length. Best from 2026 through 2042. 3,350 cases made, 800 cases imported. (Bruce Sanderson)

With a really fun retro-looking label, the Ascheri 2019 Barolo shows a classic playlist of Nebbiolo aromas with redcurrant, iris, rusty nail and licorice. The wine sits well on the palate, even at this young stage, thanks to fresh acidity and integrated tannins. This is a good-looking bottle for near and medium-term consumption. Fruit is blended from La Morra, Verduno and Serralunga d’Alba. Some 38,500 bottles were made.

This is Matteo Ascheri's biggest-production Barolo with 45,500 bottles made. His 2021 Barolo sees fruit from vineyards in La Morra, Verduno and Serralunga d'Alba. There is a pretty chalky quality to the wine that you perceive across the senses, especially the bouquet. To that, I would add cocktail cherry and cassis. I am reminded of the Jolly Rancher candies we had as kids. The wine is informal, bright and accessible.

Menthol, eucalyptus, tobacco and leather notes enhance the cherry and plum fruit in this fluid, relatively open red. A layer of flexible tannins informs the finish. Best from 2028 through 2042. 3,500 cases made, 1,600 cases imported.