The 2016 Barbaresco is a tight and beautiful wine that will require more time to unwind and soften. This beautifully balanced vintage is characterized by a tight inner core of fruit that underlines the graceful aging capacity of these wines. The 2016 is shaping up to be one destined for long cellar aging. Now in its youth, the wine offers wild berry, rose and licorice aromas.
Enticing aromas of violet, woodland berry, loose vineyard soil, wild mint and a hint of spearmint shape the intensely fragrant nose. The tense, young palate is still nervous but already boasts finesse, showing wild raspberry, crunchy red cherry, white pepper and star anise. Firm, refined tannins and racy acidity give it a linear, almost austere elegance, while bright acidity keeps it focused and balanced. (Cellar Selection)
The wine’s red-fruit flavors are crunchy and fresh, lifted by scents of rose petals and violets, while the tannins are ripe and generous, enveloping the vibrant fruit like a soft leather glove. It’s a wine that can age, but I don’t know how anyone could resist it now (I certainly can’t, having polished off most of my first case already). Stock up as much as you can while waiting for Produttori’s single-cru 2016 Barbarescos which will be released in spring 2021. If the classic Barbaresco is any indication, those single-cru 2016s might just be legendary. (Best Buy)
The 2016 Barbaresco is a stunning wine with tremendous richness for this bottling. Ample, deep and powerful, the 2016 exudes pedigree and class from start to finish. I can't remember a straight Barbaresco here with this much fruit density and unctuous richness, and yet there is more than enough tannin and overall structure to give the wine its classically leaning feel. A blast of sweet red cherry fruit, tobacco, menthol licorice and smoke hits the potent finish. What a wine!
While the riserva wines usually occupy centre stage, it is easy to forget just how good this co-op’s generic Barbaresco can be. In great years such as 2016, its shorter spell in oak allows the succulent, violet-infused, black cherry and raspberry fruit to show off its first flush of youthful beauty. A great balance of fine, ripe tannins and fresh, lively acidity makes this a splendid introduction to the wonderful world of Barbaresco.
Cherry, tar and menthol flavors mark this rich, silky red. Even more expansive on the palate, building to a long, complex aftertaste. Beautifully balanced, this picks up a minerally accent on the finish. Best from 2022 through 2038.