Bright notes of strawberries, vanilla, chocolate orange and rose hips here, framed by a firm and tight tannin frame. Full-bodied and structured, but clear and transparent. Try in 2026.

The organic Tenuta Rocca 2019 Barolo Bussia sports a pretty new label and elegant design. The bouquet shows some softly sweet fruit tones of raspberry and dried cherry, but those slowly cede to spice, red brick, iron ore and licorice. The mouthfeel is dry and linear, with more mineral sensations on the long finish. It shows broad shoulders, medium-rich concentration and lovely primary intensity that bodes well for its future evolution. Production is 6,500 bottles.

A mix of cherry, raspberry, menthol and iron mark this firm, gripping red. Locked up in a youthful embrace of tannins, yet offers lively acidity and plenty of fruit for balance. Fine length. Best from 2025 through 2042. 3,600 cases made, 2,250 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add

Made with organic fruit, the Tenuta Rocca 2017 Barolo Bussia opens to an immediately expressive bouquet with hints of dark cherry fruit and savory spice. There is a momentary point of mineral or chalk, and it serves to underline the slightly dry nature of the tannins present. My overall view of Bussia in the 2017 vintage is that it is one of those near-and medium-terms Barolos whose dusty tannins may never fully integrate.

Here's another home run from Tenuta Rocca. The 2016 Barolo Bussia (with 4,800 bottles made) reveals beautiful depth and focus (following a double decant and ample aeration). I'm slightly more partial to the classic Barolo from this estate; however, this wine is distinguished by an earthy or ferrous quality on the nose that accompanies dark fruit, cherry, tar and licorice. I found this wine to show a slight touch of vinous cherry skin, bitter blackberry or extra ripeness that I didn't find in the other Baroli from Tenuta Rocca. This estate has turned a big corner, and I couldn't be more pleased with these showings.