The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is another of the highlights in this range from the Produttori. Imagine the precision of Ovello, but with slightly darker fruit and more density and power through the middle. That's the Montefico. A regal, towering Barbaresco, the Montefico should provide thrilling drinking for the next several decades. A rush of dark cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and tobacco add nuance on the powerful, structured finish. -- Antonio Galloni

The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is a wine that does its utmost to explore the concept of balance. This amazing effort is apparent from start to finish. The wine opens to some ripeness with dark fruit and Morello cherry that is countered by tart flavors of cassis and wild berry. The spice tones are well dosed and delineated, and the wine follows up with herbal and menthol notes that add elegance. The mouthfeel exhibits a good tenor of intensity that never goes too far.-ML