Produttori del Barbaresco 2018

Region: Piedmont

Tasting note:

‘We all know when Produttori del Barbaresco decide not to bottle all their great nine grower crus, the resulting wines are all blended into the Barbaresco DOCG normale cuvee. 2018 is just such a vintage and sure enough, eager collectors have been waiting for this super charged Nebbiolo release. On initial examination, the wine shows the most pretty, lifted, inviting aromatics of dried rose petals, crushed coriander, tart red cherries, salty blueberries and a seductive red liquorice complexity. On the palate, there is an attractive translucent purity and silky filigree tannins that combine with a suave, lithe, harmonious concentration of red cherry candied fruits, touches of tar, saline cassis, sloe berries and a finish that typifies true, pure classical Nebbiolo fruit. While the seductive allure of the perfumed aromatics currently outpace the slightly backwardness of the palate fruit density and structure, all the signs in the glass point to another extremely fine and supremely attractive Barbaresco release. Drink from 2022 to 2034+.’ – Greg Sherwood MW, 94/100

‘Lovely barbaresco, with all the typical nebbiolo characteristics, such as red berries, mushrooms and dried leaves, as well as hints of bitter orange peel and spice. All this follows through to the medium-to full-bodied palate, where fine, lightly firm tannins add a little grip and additional focus.’ – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 93/100

‘Packaged in its distinctive brown paper label, the Produttori del Barbaresco 2018 Barbaresco is a beautifully lean and luminous expression of Nebbiolo, and that pretty color should remain intact over time. The aromas are bold and ripe with dark and purple fruit, but the bouquet shows interesting twists with earth, truffle, licorice and grilled herb. As the wine opens in the glass, you begin to notice heavier aromas of raisin and dried apricot. It wears a warm-vintage signature for sure, and for that reason, I would suggest a shorter drinking window for the 2018. 2023-2038’ – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, 93/100

‘The 2018 Barbaresco is an attractive, open-knit wine to drink now and over the next 10-15 years, maybe more. In 2018 the Produttori did not bottle their Riservas. Instead, all of the best lots of those grapes went into the straight Barbaresco bottling, another in a long string of successes from this historic house. Dark cherry, cedar, tobacco and spice fill out the layers. There is good depth and a good deal of tannin too, just not the complexity or nuance of the very best years. 2023-2033’ – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 92/100