2006  

The wine is created from two vineyards: the Preda vineyard, planted in 1965, which is predominately clay marl and produces rich perfume and elegance, and the Sarmassa vineyard, planted in 1973, rich in sand and clay, yielding strong character, full body and structure. Intense ruby red in color, the wine is all kinds of red fruits enveloped in vanilla on the nose. Dry, full, and rich in body and structure, this wine is interesting young, with a great potential for aging.

2016  

Sarmassa is yet another historic cru located in the comune of Barolo, and the Virna 2016 Barolo Sarmassa moves the drinking window forward for those who don't want to wait many years before popping the cork. Sarmassa is often distinguished by a burst of power and richness, and you get both of those qualities in this classic vintage that calls for some kind of rabbit pasta or other game dish. Showing dark fruit nuances with a soft and open-knit quality of fruit, there is a fruity, succulent or even meaty quality to this wine that can't be missed in this release. - 94+pts Wine Advocate ---- This has a fascinating nose with ripe pomegranate, boysenberries, dried raspberries, tea leaves and dried spices. Full-bodied and dense, but the tannins are quite seamless and the acidity is agile and flowing throughout. Long and persistent on the finish. - 95pts James Suckling