Cogno/Elvio Barolo Riserva Vigna Elena 2019

100 points Ian D'Agata Wine Review: "Vibrant medium red. Offers a multidimensional personality on the enticing nose, with aromas of sour red cherry, raspberry, blackcurrant, white pepper, orange peel, spices and flinty minerals, all lifted by a penetrating floral top-note of violets and roses. At once steely and stony in the mouth, showcasing a classic austerity that is very Vigna Elena-like but at the same time also tells me the wine in the bottle has entered, and still is, in a slightly shut-down phase. The 2019 Vigna Elena is currently playing its mineral-driven, penetrating cards of raspberry, crushed stone and minerals close to the vest. The rising finish shows brilliant precision, with serious but noble tannins and outstanding palate-staining length and thrust. I find this 100% Nebbiolo Rosé wine resounds on the long back end like very few Barolos from this or any other vintage. Cellar accordingly. Drinking window: 2034-2056. (6/18/25)"

99 points Kerin O'Keefe: "All about perfume, elegance and structure, the exquisite 2019 Vigna Elena Riserva is another stunner from Nadia Cogno and Valter Fissore. Made entirely with the rare Rosé, long considered a subvariety of Nebbiolo, it's has intense sensations of rose, red berry, dark spice and blood orange. It seamlessly combines the elegance of Vigna Elena and the youthful austerity of the 2019 vintage. What a beauty. Drink 2029–2044. Abv: 14.5% (Apr 2024)"

98 points Michaela Morris (Decanter): "Planted in 1991 with the rare Nebbiolo Rosé, the 1ha Vigna Elena has been bottled separately as a Riserva since 1997. Winemaker Valter Fissore explains that it gives a leaner body with greater tannins, requiring longer maturation. The 2019 emerges furtively yet hauntingly with rose, freesia and strawberry blossom. There are hints of brushwood and liquorice too. But really, it is the floral bouquet that takes hold, overflowing discreetly onto the pristine, raspberry saturated palate where long, smooth and silky tannins are intricately knit, giving well delineated borders. The definition of finesse. Drinking Window: 2027-2043. (1/7/25)"

96+ points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "This wine represents the most important selection of fruit executed at this estate within a small one-hectare parcel. The top-shelf Elvio Cogno 2019 Barolo Riserva Ravera Vigna Elena is super precise and sharp with high density. The wine has a hard note that is transmitted across dark fruit, purple berries and exotic spice. That sharpness continues to the palate where you taste mineral nuances and crushed stone. It ages in oak for 36 months. I would give the Riserva more time to flesh out. Production is 5,500 bottles. Drink: 2026-2048.(4/4/24)"

96 points Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator): "[$220 list] Silky and stylish, this red evokes fading cherry, strawberry and rose aromas and flavors. Augmented by eucalyptus, wild rosemary, iron and tobacco elements yet overall stays elegant and solidly built. Shows terrific balance and length. Best from 2027 through 2048. 335 cases made, 100 cases imported. (8/13/25)"

96 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "The 2019 Barolo Ravera Vigna Elena is all from the Rose clone, and the wine is fully destemmed before fermentation. A transparent red color, the nose is very nuanced, with aromas of cedar, incense, fresh flowers, rose water, anise, and candied red berries. Medium-bodied, it’s linear on the palate, with a spine of fresh acidity, refined tension in the tannins, and a gently tapering finish. It has a youthfully compact structure, with tense, gripping tannins and mouthwatering notes of dried earth on the finish, its smoky perfume lasting on the back-palate. Drink 2026-2050. (5/1/25)"