The 2011 barbaresco Valeirano Vursu is a stunning wine that shows the best side of this warm vintage. The wine maintains its elegance and its grace, but it also shows a riper side with blackberry, dried cherry, resin, licorice and atr. The ensemble is compelling and very attractive. The wine tastes very young at this stage, but it already exhibits the potential for an interesting evolution ahead. Dig deep and distinct aromas of tobacco, tar and balsam herb begin to appear. La Spinetta is a meticulous and detail-minded estate. That care is most certainly on display here. I had the opportunity to send some time with Giorgio Rivetti this year at the Campe winery just outside the Ginzane Cavour castle. This gave me the opportunity to taste his fabulous 2005 Riservas from magnum (that will be released later this year in September) and a chance to catch up on some back vintages. La Spinetta is synonymous with one of the most distinctive winemaking styles in the Langhe. The wines are easily identifiable in a blind tastnig because, across the board, they offer a uniquely intense aromatic delivery. The bouquetes on the 2013 wines are deeply fragant and fruity; the 2012 vintage is more integrated with spice and tobacco. The 2011 vintage is marked with profound balsam notes of cola, mint and medicinal herbs. These are extremely personalized wines.