Though the summer was cool and wet, the last rainfall in Barbaresco was on 12 August. Harvest started exactly two months later, allowing the grapes to ripen under much improved conditions. Quantities were down 30%, but...
Though the summer was cool and wet, the last rainfall in Barbaresco was on 12 August. Harvest started exactly two months later, allowing the grapes to ripen under much improved conditions. Quantities were down 30%, but quality was high enough for Produttori to craft their cru Riservas. Bottled 20 days prior to tasting, the 2014 is uncharacteristically forward with a veritable explosion of red cherry. Enchanting notes of rose petal, violet, blood orange peel and pepper follow. Bright acidity accentuates the tannins, but they are fine and dissolve effortlessly. While this comes across as approachable now, it might shut down in bottle and I'd give it some time following its release next spring. I suspect it will be a mid-term rather than a long ager.