2013 Davide Carlone Croatina Colline Novaresi

Davide Carlone's the 2013 Croatina hits the palate with red and blue-fleshed fruit, lavender, smoke, licorice and incense, all backed up by a firm spine of tannin that gives the wine its sense of vitality. Far from an easygoing wine, the 2013 is a red for readers who appreciate firm, classically built reds. There is certainly plenty to like here, including the striking purity of the fruit.