The 2013 Langhe Nebbiolo has been in bottle for all of a week, but that isn't enough to mask its superb pedigree and class. Readers who want to understand what 2013 is alll about in Piedmont should start here. Lavender, violets, crushed rocks, savory herbs, chalk and blueberries emerge from a crystalline, dazzling Nebbiolo that will give readers goosebumps. Rinaldi's Langhe Nebbiolo is 100% Ravera fruit from Barolo-designated vineyards that spent 18 months in cask. I rated a second bottle of this magical wine a touch higher than this review. Let's leave it at that. Readers who can pick up a few bottles of the 2013 will be treated to a truly special wine that captures the essence of vintage and site, expressed by one of Barolo's historic families.

The 2013 Langhe Nebbiolo shows a great level of finesse and freshness without the austerity you get with Barolo. It opens to big cherry fruit definition with balsam herb and licorice. In the mouth, this Langhe Nebbiolo shows soft tannins and a supple feel. The 2013 vintage is shaping up to be a classic year for Nebbiolo, close on the heels of 2010.