Pizzini Coronamento Nebbiolo 2016

As one of the pioneers of Nebbiolo in Australia, the Pizzini family have an offering at every price point. For this, their Coronamento or ‘crowning achievement’, the fruit selection comes down to individual bunches. The quality of the fruit is evident with pronounced aromas of plump Turkish delight, pink musk sticks, rhubarb and and vanilla beans. Lightly toasted fennel seeds and white pepper add a savoury edge. Pouch tobacco and fresh leather conjure images of sinking into a fat Chesterfield sofa for a nightcap.

Summer strawberries and ripe red plums burst on the palate followed by aniseed liqueur and a lingering mineral, earthy savouriness that is more experience than flavour – lying on your belly looking into the depths of volcanic rock pools warmed by the sun. Nebbiolo is known for its tannins and while there are plenty, they are fine and powdery; gently guiding the flavours along the palate into a long finish. Absolute elegance alongside satiny richness shows just what can be achieved with this fickle grape in the right hands – one of Australia’s best examples.