Smoke, tar, earthiness and licorice add gorgeous dimensions of complexity in the 2010 Barolo Brea Vigna Ca’ Mia. Here, too, the flavors are remarkably bright and focused. The dark, brooding notes of Serralunga are very much present, but the 2010 impresses for its pure balance, harmony and class. Dried rose petals, spices, licorice and game add complexity on a huge finish supported by big, incisive tannins. This is another utterly vivid, dazzling Barolo from Brovia. Here, too, readers will note a slight name change.

Lots of tar, rose petal and dark-fruit character. Full body, chewy tannins and a juicy aftertaste. Lots of character. Better in 2016.

Raspberry coulis and mint nose. Succulent cherry fruit, very concentrated with massive but not tough tannins. A mighty wine with good acidity, considerable finesse and excellent length.

Good deep red. Wild aromas and flavors of plum, redcurrant, minerals, underbrush, mocha and dried flowers. Huge, thick and utterly seamless, boasting terrific density to its extremely primary wall of fruit. This wonderfully fine-grained young Barolo conveys a powerful impression of dry extract. For all its power, there's nothing hard about it and its tannins are remarkably fine-grained. The inexorable finish is extremely youthful.

The 2010 Barolo Brea Vigna Ca' Mia hails from the eight-hectare Brea vineyard in Serralunga d'Alba. Nebbiolo vines are almost 60 years old, but the site is also planted to Barbera, Dolcetto and Moscato for Moscato d'Asti. I love the exotic personality of this wine. The bouquet shows dark fruit and thick layers with cinnamon, cumin and cardamom at the back. There are dried herbs and rosemary sprig as well. This wine is especially characterized by its tannins that are extra firm and etched. The wine will require extra aging time in order to find balance and harmony.

Serralunga. Youthful-looking mid ruby. Powerful nose but not really open. Leafy cherry. Very reluctant and tannic but beautifully by concentrated fruit on the finish. Rich, impressive tannic structure. Serious, compelling stuff. (WS)