The Virna 2019 Barolo del Comune del Barolo (with 5,000 bottles released) shows nice concentration with dark fruit flavors, tarry spice and camphor ash. This growing season tends to show more richness, but it also delivers silky balance and good harmony. Hints of tobacco and exotic spice appear softly on the finish.

The Virna brand is managed by Virna and Ivana Borgogno and is based in the village of Barolo (you'll sometimes see the brand as Virna Borgogno, although only the name Virna appears on the front label). The big news is the return of the Barbaresco Montersino, which is coming back with the 2020 vintage following a three decades-long absence from the market. Last year, the estate got fruit from Brunate, so we can expect a Barolo Brunate in the portfolio starting in 2022. But the best news is the amazing 2019 Barolo Cannubi reviewed here. It does a beautiful job balancing varietal and territorial character. That wine is spectacular.