2008 - Roero Riserva Giovanni Almondo

Once again, Almondo has turned out a fabulous set of wines. Readers who want to explore Roero should start here.

Rating: 94 points

The 2008 Roero Riserva Giovanni Almondo is drop dead-gorgeous. I am not sure where to start or end with this striking, breathtaking red. A gorgeous, well-articulated bouquet melds into expressive dark fruit as the wine opens up in the glass. Smoke, tar, licorice and a host of other brooding aromas and flavors build towards the dramatic, large-scaled finish. This is quite simply one of the finest – if not the finest – wine I have ever tasted from Roero. It is clearly the qualitative equivalent of many a Barolo or Barbaresco. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2023.

2008 - Roero Bric Valdiana

Once again, Almondo has turned out a fabulous set of wines. Readers who want to explore Roero should start here.

Rating: 91 points

Almondo's 2008 Roero Bric Valdiana shows striking inner perfume and fabulous depth in its dark fruit. This is a relatively round style shaped by French oak, which also adds elements of spiciness. As good as this is, it doesn't appear to have the stuffing to quite match the oak, but it remains attractive nevertheless. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2020.

2010 - Roero Arneis Vigne Sparse

Once again, Almondo has turned out a fabulous set of wines. Readers who want to explore Roero should start here.

Rating: 89 points

The 2010 Roero Arneis Vigne Sparse emerges from the glass with white peaches, flowers and mint. It is a perfumed, light style of Arneis best enjoyed as an aperitif or starter. The 2010 is one of the finest versions of this wine I have ever tasted. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2013.

2010 - Roero Arneis Bricco delle Ciliegie

Once again, Almondo has turned out a fabulous set of wines. Readers who want to explore Roero should start here.

Rating: 90 points

The 2010 Roero Arneis Bricco delle Ciliegie is also terrific. It shows a bit more textural depth and richness than the Vigne Sparse. Sweet floral notes weave throughout a core of expressive peaches and pears in this creamy, textured white. The Bricco delle Ciliegie is often one of my favorite wines from Roero. The 2010 is simply gorgeous. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014.

2008 - Roero DOCG

Once again, Almondo has turned out a fabulous set of wines. Readers who want to explore Roero should start here.

Rating: 90 points

The 2008 Roero is a gorgeous wine redolent of sweet red cherries, flowers and spices. There is plenty of Nebbiolo typicity in this mid-weight, highly articulate wine. There is no shortage of class and elegance here. Still, I would choose to drink this relatively young. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018.

2008 - Barbera d'Alba Valbianchera

Once again, Almondo has turned out a fabulous set of wines. Readers who want to explore Roero should start here.

Rating: 90 points

The 2008 Barbera d'Alba Valbianchera flows with expressive dark fruit, flowers and spices, all framed by an insistent vein of minerality that gives the wine its focus and balance. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.