The 2018 Sottimano Barbaresco Fausoni is a captivating red wine hailing from the prestigious Piedmont region of Italy. Made from the Nebbiolo grape variety, this wine embodies the elegance and complexity that is characteristic of the region.
In the glass, this wine exhibits a deep, ruby red color that is visually enticing. The nose is immediately met with a bouquet of ripe peach, rose petal, dried strawberry, and white truffle. These aromas intertwine gracefully, offering a sensory experience that is both intriguing and alluring.
On the palate, the wine showcases a lean yet inviting structure, with flavors of dried raspberry, orange zest, and dried tea. Fine tannins add a touch of texture and complexity to the wine, while maintaining a refreshing and open character. This is a wine that is ready for youthful enjoyment, but also shows promise for further aging.
Renowned wine critic Jeb Dunnuck awarded the 2018 Barbaresco Fausoni a score of 92 points, describing it as a wine that is ready to be enjoyed from 2021 to 2034. He praises its refreshing nature and notes the presence of dried raspberry and orange zest flavors.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also lauds this wine, giving it an impressive score of 94 points. They highlight the polished and glossy nature of the wine, noting its purity and grace. The cassis, dried raspberry, and plum-like aromas are particularly praiseworthy.
Vinous, another respected publication, awards the 2018 Barbaresco Fausoni 94 points. They describe it as a super-classic wine with floral, spice, and orange peel accents that lend brightness. They note that while the wine will benefit from a few years of bottle aging, it already exhibits beauty and allure.
Wine & Spirits gives the wine a score of 93 points, praising its tautly knit and midweight profile. They note the smooth texture and flavors of dark cherry, espresso, dark chocolate, and sweet spice. A touch of orange zest energizes the finish and adds vibrancy to the wine.
Wine Enthusiast awards the highest score of 95 points to the 2018 Barbaresco Fausoni. They describe it as focused and loaded with finesse, with enticing scents of rose petal, red berry, violet, and camphor. The palate is characterized by great depth of flavor, extreme elegance, and juicy cherry and strawberry compote notes. Taut, refined tannins and bright acidity provide precision and balance, while a hint of espresso lingers on the finish.
Lastly, Wine Spectator gives the wine a score of 92 points, highlighting its plum, cherry, eucalyptus, iron, and tobacco aromas and flavors. They describe the wine as fluid yet firmly structured, with an intense and lingering character. The savory elements add complexity, and the wine is best enjoyed from 2024 to 2043.
Overall, the 2018 Sottimano Barbaresco Fausoni is a remarkable wine that has garnered praise from multiple critics. Its enticing aromas, complex flavors, and elegant structure make it a standout choice for wine enthusiasts seeking a true expression of the Piedmont region. Whether enjoyed now or aged for further development, this wine promises to deliver a memorable and enjoyable experience.