D’Agata’s picks: Barolo 2012 & Barbaresco 2013

Some wines listed N/A UK may still be shipped to the UK. Contact the winery/importer for details

Barolo 2012 Giacomo Conterno, Cascina Francia 93 £ 133-£ 180 Asset Wines, Brunswick Fine Wines, Corney & Barrow, Harrods, Justerini & Brooks

A knockout wine: powerful yet light on its feet. Textbook Barolo aromas and flavours in a vintage when no Monfortino will be made, so this is even better than usual. Still an infant, like its stablemate Barolo Ceretta – another grandiose wine. Drink 2020-2034 Alc 14%

Giuseppe Rinaldi, Brunate 93 £ 167 (2011) Asset Wines, Atlas Fine Wines, Capital Vintners

Outstanding, penetrating perfume of sour red cherries and roses. Very clean and magically balanced, this precise, dense Barolo is more powerful than most in 2012. Drink 2020-2032 Alc 14%

Cogno, Vigna Elena Riserva 2010 93 POA Asset Wines

Always a late-released riserva, this unique 100% Nebbiolo rosé always goes on sale later than most; it’s also more perfumed and piercing, with lifted red rose, violet and spicy cinnamon notes. Lighter structure but offers a haunting personality. Drink 2019-2030 Alc 14%

GD Vajra, Bricco delle Viole 92 £69.99 Hedonism, Highbury Vintners, Lay & Wheeler, Wholefoods

I could have recommended Vajra’s Ravera Barolo which is just as good if more structured and deeper than the Bricco delle Viole, but this has an amazing perfume and delicacy of flavour that are hard to forget. Drink 2020-2032 Alc 14%

Bartolo Mascarello

92 £500-£600 Asset Wines, Brunswick Fine Wines Silkier than most in 2012, with lovely minty nuances to the red cherry aromas and flavours. Drink 2019-2029 Alc 14%