The 2019 Baffonero is suave and elegant. Blackberry, mocha, espresso, cinnamon and a touch of new French oak open nicely. In 2019, Baffonero is a bit less opulent than it can be, but it makes up for that with its silkiness and persistence. Best of all, it will be ready to drink with minimal cellaring. In 2019, winemaker Alessandro Cellai reduced time in oak from 24 to 19 months and increased time in cement prior to bottling from two to six months, a choice that worked out very, very well. (Originally Published in March 2022)