The 2018 Marchesi di Gresy Gaiun Martinenga Barbaresco is a red wine made from the Nebbiolo varietal, originating from the Barbaresco region in Piedmont, Italy. This wine, produced by Marchesi di Gresy, is sealed with a cork and has an alcohol content of 15.0%.
Renowned for its balance and complexity, the 2018 vintage has garnered high praise from several professional reviewers. Jeb Dunnuck of jebdunnuck.com awarded it a score of 94, highlighting its "encompassing aromas" of incense, raspberry, and spiced orange. Dunnuck noted that while it is medium-bodied, it offers a rich palate with flavors of ripe strawberry, fresh roses, and crushed stones. He described the tannins as ripe and the wine as having "great charm" with an appealing immediacy, suggesting it is drinkable from 2023 through 2040.
Wine Spectator gave an exceptional review with a score of 96, emphasizing the wine's "concentrated yet supple" nature. The publication pointed out flavors of macerated cherry, plum, licorice, iron, and eucalyptus, stating that the wine is "rich but never heavy." It also mentioned the wine's ample acidity and dense, refined tannins, predicting it will be best enjoyed from 2026 through 2043. Wine Spectator also noted that only 625 cases were made, with 75 cases imported.
Vinous, which rated the wine 93, described it as "a beautiful wine that shows the style of both the vintage and cru." The review mentioned flavors of dark cherry, plum, spice, menthol, and licorice, with a touch of oak. Despite being slightly light, the wine's balance was praised as "absolutely impeccable."
James Suckling of jamessuckling.com also rated the wine 93, commending its "ultra-fine tannins" and "lovely berry, orange peel and cream aromas and flavors." He described it as medium-bodied with a creamy texture and a "delicious finish," questioning why one would wait to enjoy it.
The Wine Independent gave a score of 95, noting "heady floral notes on the nose" along with sweet, fragrant aromas and exotic spices like nutmeg. The tannins were described as elegant and refined, with long-lasting flavors and a "super-juicy freshness." The review praised the wine as a wonderful expression of the fresher 2018 vintage, appreciating its lightness of touch and sensitivity.
Overall, the 2018 Marchesi di Gresy Gaiun Martinenga Barbaresco is a well-balanced, complex wine that has received excellent reviews for its rich flavors, refined tannins, and long-lasting finish.