The 2014 Barolo Pira is a very pretty wine, but it is also quite open, both in its aromatics, and structural feel, where the wine feels unusually ample. Dark spice, tobacco, worn-in leather and mint are nicely laced together. This is a superb effort for the year, but I would not plan on cellaring it for too long, as it is quite open for a young Barolo, by Roagna standards. Relative to the other wines in this lineup, the Pira comes across as a touch flat and lacking in body. Much of that is attributable to the vintage.

The Pira cru is a Roagna family monopoly. They purchased this site (in Castiglione Falletto) in 1990, and the vines range from 40 to 50 years old. The 2014 Barolo Pira opens to dark and impeccably focused fruit. This wine offers an incredible level of sharpness and detail that adds a vivid, Technicolor character to the bouquet. The aromas are lifted, bright and vertical, fueled by the power and elegance that comes so naturally to Nebbiolo. There is zest and energy here, with plenty of acidity and tannic structure to liven up the finish. Exactly 12,984 bottles were produced, making this the easiest Roagna wine to locate at your local retailer.