Villadoria Langhe Nebbiolo Bricco Magno, 2013

This is Langhe Nebbiolo from the Barolo side of the river. I opened it while we still had a small taste left of the Pelassa Antaniolo Roero for a side-by-side comparison. No winner. Donna liked the Villadoria; I preferred the Roero.

Bright ruby red with garnet highlights. The early aging was done in barriques followed by aging in barrels of various size. The modern or international style is apparent also in the smells and flavors. Sour cherry, rose petals, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla. Fuller bodied than the Roero and more tannins. Flamboyant flavors that retain the Barolo profile. Not as smooth or elegant as the Roero, though, and I prefer the haunting flavors of the Roero.

For $15 a bottle, this Villadoria Bricco Magno is a terrific bargain and will be on my shopping list.