This austere vineyard site, the top of a high, narrow, extremely steep portion of Bussia, produces the most inward-looking, monolithic wine in the entire Oddero stable. That being said, the extra time allotted for it to become a Riserva really allows the wine to integrate and find itself. By the time we get it, in the sixth fall after its harvest, it’s a complete, integrated wine with all its seamless cherry confit, camphor, iron-oxide, flinty mineral and dried herb components in perfect array on a large, but nicely balanced frame. This will be a great drink sooner than you may think.

Wine Advocate, 96 points: The Oddero 2019 Barolo Riserva Bussia Vigna Mondoca has a savory note of tobacco that frames dark cherry fruit and blackcurrant. There is a hint of Darjeeling tea or fragrant rose with mildly toasted spice. This wine definitely offers ample power with a 15% alcohol content, and it feels quite rich on the palate. The 2021 vintage is superior in my view, but 2019 will appeal to those who like more meat on those Nebbiolo bones.

Vinous, 94 points: The 2019 Barolo Riserva Bussia Vigna Mondoca is every bit as haunting in its beauty as it was last year. A Barolo of dynamic energy and nuance, the Bussia is sublime. Cedar, incense, blood orange, kirsch, rose petal and dried herbs confer classicism. The 2019 is, quite simply, sublime. That's all there is to it.

Decanter, 94 points: Oddero’s holdings in Bussia are centred around the Mondoca hill within the hamlet of Dardi. The 1.1ha monopoly faces south to southwest on calcareous-rich marl. Its generous warmth is tangible in this rich, robust Barolo. Scents of fennel, macerated cherry and orange peel lead. Salted plum and tar give the ample palate an umami character. It spreads out with an impressive volume of texturing tannins. Succulent acidity kicks in towards the backend and bitter cocoa accents fill out the finish.