The 2006 Barbaresco, Presented at Alba Wines

I much enjoyed the 2006 Barbaresco that was presented this year at Alba Wines. 2006 was a fine vintage, and though the wines are still very young they display a suppleness and power that I found quite invigorating, coupled with fairly rich, fairly tart (in many cases) fruit, and brisk acidities. In short, I think that the 2006 Barbaresco displays considerable aging potential, and while you will have to select a winemaker whose tastes match yours, you will find many fine wines to choose from.

We also tasted a few 2003 Barbaresco Riserva wines, which were a mixed lot. Some displayed the ravages brought by the heat of the summer, but a couple pleasantly surprised me, showing more fruit and depth than I expected to find.

And finally, during the afternoon session producers poured their 1999 vintages for us. As was the case with the 1999 Barolo that was also poured in the afternoon sessions, I was quite favorably impressed by the wines, and though the sampling wasn't thorough -- given time constraints I had to pick and choose -- the quality was uniformly high, including wines that don't show particularly well fresh from release. In other words, Many Barbareschi, especially those in the more traditional style, need time to grow.

With respect to the 1999 Baroli, I found most (but not all) of the 1999 Barbareschi to be slightly more mature, and attribute this to differences in terroir. Mature, in this case, is a relative term. None were what one might call old.

The wineries are listed in the order they were poured in.

Barbaresco DOCG 2006

Albino Rocca
Albino Rocca Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is bright, with fairly rich jammy berry fruit supported by jammy accents and underlying sweetness. Nice balance in a youthful ripe key. On the palate it's ample and fairly direct with clean berry fruit supported by moderate acidity and smooth sweet tannins. Though it will drink well with foods, it's not quite as complex as I might have hoped. In other words, it needs time.
1 star

Albino Rocca Vigneto Brich Rocchi Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with bright berry fruit supported by spice and cedar. Young in an international key. On the palate it's bright and rich, with clean saucy raspberry cherry fruit supported by moderate acidity and tannins that have a slightly greenish burr and flow into a clean fresh fairly tannic finish with vegetal accents. Pleasant in a rather zesty key and very young; it needs another year or two to get its bearings and come together, and will age nicely for a decade or more.
2 stars

Tasted in the afternoon:
Albino Rocca Vigneto Bric Ronchi Barbaresco 1999
Deft almandine with almandine rim. The bouquet is quite elegant, opening to reveal savory balsamic notes and spice mingled with sea salt and some leaf tobacco. A wine one can sniff, and sniff again. On the palate it's full and rich, with powerful savory berry fruit supported by deft acidity and tannins that have a dusky burr and flow into a long warm finish. Quite pleasant; because of the aggressiveness of the tannins I wouldn't choose it to meditate with, but it will work magic when combined with a juicy slice of rare roast beef.
88-90


Cascina Bruciata
Cascina Bruciata Rio Sordo Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, and petroleum laced, with greenish spice and little fruit; I think this is a manifestation of oak but I'm not sure. On the palate it's ample and languid, with fairly soft plum fruit supported by moderate salty acidity and by smooth sweet tannins that work from below the surface, as it were, flowing into a clean fairly bitter finish. It's overly polished for my tastes, and though some fruit may emerge with time, it will always be polished.
1 star

Cascina delle Rose
Cascina delle Rose Rio Sordo Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with cedar and greenish accents, but not much fruit in the way of fruit; there's much oak here. On the palate it's moderately intense; there's not much in the way of fruit, though there is a leathery minerality supported by warmth and cedar-laced tannins that flow into a warm tannic finish with underlying bitterness. It was fed a lot of oak and is still trying to digest it. Whether it will or not is anyone's guess; I would in any case give it 3-5 years to get its bearings before opening it. It may do interesting things with time, but the future will tell.
1 star

Cascina Delle Rose Tre Stelle Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Almandine with black reflections and orange in the rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with alcohol and warmth mingled with some leather and hints of lathered horse; there's also rosa canina, nutmeg, and hints of dried flowers. On the palate it's ample, with fairly rich tart berry fruit supported by ample tannins that have a warm burr, and flow into a clean long finish. It's a bit awkward, and more spread out than I might have liked -- not deft and well defined.
1 star

Tasted in the afternoon:
Cascina Delle Rose Rio Sordo Barbaresco 1999
Brownish almandine with almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with leaf tobacco and spice mingled with hints of menthol and alcohol, and underlying leathery balsamic notes. Considerable depth. On the palate it's ample, with rich clean warm berry fruit supported by savory spice that flows into a bright fairly savory finish. Quite pleasant, and will drink well with hearty meat dishes, from succulent roasts through stews.
2 stars

Cascina Luisin
Cascina Luisin Rabajà Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black cherry ruby with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is rich, with powerful berry fruit supported by clean fresh vegetal acidity and deft green leather , as well as rosa canina and savory notes, with slight underlying cedar. Quite elegant, with considerable depth, and very young. On the palate it's full and rich, with powerful berry fruit supported by clean bright berry fruit acidity and smooth sweet tannins that flow into a warm tannic berry fruit finish. Great depth and elegance and very young; it is drinkable now but will age beautifully for 10-15 years: we're at the start of a long journey.
92

Cascina Luisin Sorì Paolin Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Almandine with black reflections and leathery almandine in the rim. The bouquet is frankly traditional, with rosa canina mingled with clean berry fruit supported by greenish accents and warm spice. Nice balance and pleasant to sniff, though very young. On the palate it's ample and smooth, with rich sour cherry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity, and by smooth sweet slightly leathery tannins that flow into a long, long warm fruit laced finish with leathery underpinning. Quite pleasant in a traditional key, and approachable (barely) now; one would be better off to give it a couple of years, and it will age quite well for a decade or more. Worth waiting for. At least I think so.
90

Produttori del Barbaresco
Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, in a rather rustic key, with animal tang mingled with balsam and stable straw, and some tart acidity as well. On the palate it's bright, with fairly rich cherry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity, and by smooth sweet tannins that flow into a clean deft slightly bitter berry fruit finish. Quite pleasant in a fairly traditional key, and will drink nicely with grilled meats or roasts, though I would be tempted to give it a few more years. Worth seeking out if you're of traditional tastes.
88-90

Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2004
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is bright, with lively sour berry fruit supported by some raspberry acidity and hints of rosa canina with a fair amount of spice as well. Pleasant to sniff. On the palate it's full and rich, with lively sour cherry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity and by smooth sweet rather savory tannins that flow into a warm fairly tart finish. Quite pleasant, and very young; it will drink now with roasts or stews, though there is also enough acidity for it to work well with (very elegant) fried meats, and will also age nicely for 10-15 years. Quite nice, in a bright rather aggressive traditional key.
88-90

Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2004
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, with bright berry fruit supported by greenish vegetal accents and spice, mingled with rosa canina. Very young. On the palate it's bright, with lively sour cherry fruit supported by considerable berry fruit acidity and by tannins that are fairly smooth, though not yet velvety, and they do display an underpinning of steel. Quite pleasant, though it will reward those who will give it time. Traditional too; not a smoother softer fruit driven wine, but rather one with bracing acidity that will age quite well.
2 stars

Tasted in the afternoon:
Produttori del Barbaresco Vigneto Rio Sordo Barbaresco Riserva 1999
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is deft, with leaf tobacco and leather mingled with wet horse, spice, and some metallic notes. Quite elegant. On the palate it's full and rich with elegant brandied cherry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins that have some leafy bitter undertones and flow into a long bitter tannic finish. Very pleasant in a rather austere key, and has quite a bit to say; one could drink and enjoy it now, or age it for many more years. Beautiful wine.
92


Casetta
Casetta Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2004
Black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with greenish accents and bright acidity mingled with some berry fruit, though what really emerges is the vegetal nature Nebbiolo can display. On the palate it's bright, with lively sour cherry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins and by deft acidity that provides direction, flowing into a clean slightly greenish tart finish. It's quite young, and will age quite well; I'd be tempted to set it aside for 3-5 years, and expect it to age well for 10-15
2 stars

Montaribaldi
Montaribaldi Sorì Montaribaldi Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is rustic, with wet horse mingled with wet stable straw and some balsam. On the palate it's fairly bright, with rich cherry fruit supported by deft slightly leathery berry fruit acidity, and by tannins that have a warm burr and flow into a fairly tart finish. It's not a wine for lovers of studied smoothness, but if you like this somewhat more rustic style, it will drink very well with grilled meats or roasts in the short term, and also has the capacity to age well for a decade or more. In short, if you like the style it's worth seeking out.
2 stars

Montaribaldi Palazzina Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is charged, with a fair amount of alcohol and considerable greenish spice, and hints of white glue, but not much in the way of fruit; it brings to mind a hulking person standing in a corner. On the palate it's full, with rather generic red berry fruit supported by bitterness and savory accents, and by tannins that are fairly rich and spicy, and flow into a clean rather bitter savory finish. There's something about it that I found bothersome, and if I had a bottle I would be tempted to give it a few years, because it's not happy now.

Castello di Verduno
Castello di Verduno Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Dusky black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with greenish vegetal accents mingled with acidity and some cedar. On the palate it's fairly rich, with bitter cedar laced fruit supported by savory accent and some minerality. I'd have liked greater richness to the fruit, which will likely never really match the wood.
1 star

Tasted in the afternoon:
Castello di Verduno Rabajà Barbaresco Riserva 1999
Brownish almandine with black-brown reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is rustic and dusky, with warm balsamic acidity mingled with spice and some saddle leather. Quite tertiary, but pleasant if you like this rather pungent traditional style. On the palate it's ample, with warmth and leathery tannic notes supported by balsam and minerality that flow into a long warm finish. Very old school, and if you like the style you will enjoy it. But you have to like the style; if you're more towards the international side of the spectrum it won't work well for you.
2 stars

Cascina Morassino
Cascina Morassino Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is greenish, with cedar and spice but not much fruit. On the palate it's ample, with moderate berry fruit supported by considerable mineral laced bitterness that flows into a clean bitter finish. I'd have liked greater richness to the fruit, which comes across as dried out by the wood.
1 star

Cascina Morassino Morassino Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with deft cherry fruit supported by jammy accents and spice, nutmeg and some cinnamon, and also hints of cedar. Nice balance in a youthful keuy. On the palate it's bright and full, with rich slightly sour cherry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity and some underlying bitterness, while the tannins are smooth and war,m, with slught cedar underpinning. Quite pleasant in a middle of the road key, and will dirnk well with foods now, though I would be tempted to set a bottle aside for 3-5 years, and expect it to do interesting things over the next 15 years.
2 stars

Cà del Baio
Cà del Baio Asili Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine ruby with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with cedar laced vegetal notes and some underlying berry fruit mingled with nutmeg and spice. On the palate it's bright, with fairly rich cherry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity and by tannins that have a warm tannic burr and flow into a clean berry fruit finish with tannic underpinning. It's very young, but promises quite nicely, and will drink very well with grilled meats, roasts, or stews when it has its legs about it. Give it 3-5 years, and expect it to age well for a decade or more.
2 stars

Cà del Baio Valgrande Barbaresco DOCG 2006 Cà del Baio
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is muted, though swishing brings up some berry fruit supported by tart acidity and pleasing slightly greenish spice. On the palate it's bright, with clean bright berry fruit acidity and sour berry fruit supported by smooth rather tart tannins that flow into a clean bright berry fruit finish. Very young, and needs another 3-5 years to get its bearings; because of its acidity it will age very well, for a decade or more.
2 stars

Michele Chiarlo
Michele Chiarlo Asili Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is bright, and surprisingly young, with tart berry fruit supported by violets and greenish cedar, with spice as well. Nice balance, and quite young. On the palate it's bright, with fairly rich cherry fruit supported by bright slightly greenish cherry acidity and by smooth sweet tannins that flow into a bright finish. It's up front and direct, and at present fairly one dimensional, but will age nicely -- there's enough acidity and the tannins are bright -- and could do quite interesting things with time. I would give it 3-5 years and expect it to age well for a decade or more.
2 stars

Poderi Colla
Poderi Colla Roncaglie Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with mentholated greenness supported by spice -- it brings to mind an After 8 Mint -- it's also very young and there isn't much fruit at present, though there is interesting tobacco. But the minty spice is nice. On the palate it's fairly rich, with lively cherry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity and by smooth sweet tannins that flow into a clean fairly rich berry fruit finish with acidic direction; not much tannin in finish. Pleasant in a middle of the road key, and will drink very well with grilled or roasted meats now, and also has the capacity to age well for a decade or more.
2 stars

Tasted in the afternoon:
Poderi Colla Tenuta Roncaglia Barbaresco 1999
Poured from a magnum: Elegant almandine with brownish rim. Deft bouquet, with leather and rosa canina mingled with spice; it's quick to write but shows great depth and harmony, and has a lot to say. On the palate it's full, rich, and powerful, with intense red berry fruit supported by supple tannins and deft acidity. Great finesse, and I am much impressed.
92

Carlo Giacosa
Carlo Giacosa Narin Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is greenish, with fairly bright vegetal accents of the sort Nebbiolo can display, supported by spice and some leaf tobacco. Quite young, but pleasant. On the palate it's ample, with fairly rich bright berry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity and by smooth sweet tannins that flow into a warm tannic finish.
2 stars

Moccagatta
Moccagatta Bric Balin Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is rich, with vanilla and berry fruit whose interaction brings a Hostess cupcake to mind, with some greenish accents as well. On the palate it's ample and quite smooth, with fairly rich cherry fruit supported by moderate acidity and by smooth sweet tannins that flow into a clean berry fruit laced finish with tannic underpinning. It's quite young, and needs another year or two, but will be worth seeking out if you prefer a more international style of wine, and will also age nicely for 8-10 years
2 stars

Tasted in the afternoon:
Moccagatta Bric Balin Barbaresco 1999
Brownish almandine with almandine rim. The bouquet is spicy, with menthol and cedar -- there's quite a bit of oak to it, which is well integrated but obviously present -- and underbrush as well. Beautiful in an international key. On the palate it's full and rich, with powerful cedar laced bright cherry fruit supported by peppery spice and lasting warmth that flow into a warm peppery finish. A beautiful expression of the international style, and if you're an admirer of the style you will enjoy it very much. If you're more traditionally minded it will be less magical for you.
88-90

La Cà Növa
La Cà Növa Bric Mentina Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is intense, and minty, with berry fruit and spice. On the palate it's is' ample, and fairly direct, weith moderate berry fruit supported by cedar laced bitterness. Wood overshadows fruit, and bitterness in the finish.
1 star

Molino
Molino Ausario Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with cedar laced red berry fruit supported by greenish vegetal accents. Very young, in an oaky key. On the palate it's ample, with fairly rich sour cherry fruit supported by berry fruit acidity and smooth sweet tannins that are rather lax; I'd have liked greater tightness than I found.
1 star

Molino Teorema Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is vegetal, with a fair amount of alcohol mingled with greenish spice and red berry fruit supported by hints of berry fruit jam. On the palate it's ample and rich, with deft berry fruit -- raspberry with some cherry supported by raspberry acidity, and by smooth sweet tannins that flow into a fairly long tart berry fruit finish. It's quite approachable in a middle of the road key, and will work well with succulent roasts or stews in the short term, while also aging well for a decade or more.
2 stars


Nada Giuseppe
Nada Giuseppe Casot Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is moderately rich, with coffee and chocolate, with some spice as well; there's less fruit than I might have liked. On the palate it's ample and fairly bright, with lively cherry fruit supported by clean cedar laced tannins and savory spice, with moderate acidity as well. Nice balance in a youthful international key, and will drink will with grilled ,meats or roasts in the short term, though it will also age nicely too. Worth seeking out if you like the style.
2 stars

Pertinace
Pertinace Marcarini Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is rustic, with green leather and animal tang mingled with stable straw and warmth; pleasant to sniff if you like the style. On the palate it's bright, with rich sour cherry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins and by lively berry fruit acidity; it's quite pleasant if you like the style, and will drink very well with grilled meats or stews. Even if you generally like the studied richness of the more international style you'll find things to ponder, and it will age quite well too
2 stars

Pertinace Nervo Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense with vegetal accents mingled with spice and warmth. On the palate it's moderately rich, with sour cherry fruit supported by some sweet tannins; I'd have liked greater richness of fruit than I found.
1 star

Orlando Abrigo
Orlando Abrigo Vigna Rongallo Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with the bright greenness typical of some Nebbioli, supported by cedar and spice. On the palate it's ample and smooth, with fairly rich berry fruit supported by bright berry fruit acidity and by tannins that have an aggressive warmth to them, and flow into a warm tannic finish. It's very young, and needs 3-5 years, but presents quite well.
2 stars

Orlando Abrigo Montersino Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black cherry ruby with black reflections and cherry rium. The bouquet is fairly intense, with nutmeg and spice mingled with berry fruit and some cedar; there's not much acidity. On the palate it's pleasant, in a fairly direct berry fruit driven key, with moderate acidity and smooth sweet tannins that flow into a clean fairly bright berry fruit finish. Pleasant, and will drink quite well with foods, also will age well for a decade or more. Middle of the road, and worth seeking out.
2 stars

Tasted in the afternoon:
Orlando Abrigo Vigna Montersino Barbaresco 1999
From a Magnum. Elegant black almandine with almandine rim. The bouquet is bright, with savory rather pungent dried prune fruit laced with leather and savory balsamic notes. Quite elegant, and has quite a bit to say. On the palate it's full and bright, with lively savory tannic minerality more than fruit, and flows into a clean tannic finish with lasting spicy warmth. It's more of a food wine than a sipping wine, and will work very well with a succulent roast, e.g. leg of lamb, or a stew.
2 stars

Vigin
Vigin Noemy Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is greenish, with vegtal accents and spice, with some chocolate as well. Quite a bit of oak. On the palate it's ample, and fairly direct, with fairly rich sour cherry fruit supported by vegetal accents and some clean bright savory tannins; it's quite young in a fairly oak-driven key, and needs another 2-3 years to get its bearings, though it will drink well with grilled meats or light roasts.
2 stars

Rizzi
Rizzi Nervo Fondetta Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with saddle leather mingled with some animal accents and petroleum; there's also wet horse and some balsamic notes. On the palate it's bright, with fairly rich leather savory minerality more than fruit, supported by warmth and by smooth fairly sweet tannins that do have a savory underpinning, and flow into a clean savory finish with lasting warmth. It's quite traditional, and if you like the style will drink well with grilled meats or light stews in the short term, though it also has the acidity necessary to age well -- a decade or more.
2 stars

Rizzi Pajorè Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is quite elegant, with rich cherry fruit laced with rosa canina and spice; though it's quick to write there's a lot going on and rare harmony too. On the palate it's full, and rich, with elegant cherry fruit supported by deft sour raspberry cherry acidity, and by smooth sweet tannins that flow into a clean bright finish. It' very young, and drinkable, though if you can you should give it another 3-5 years, and expect it to age well for many more years after that. Beautiful wine.
90-91

Tasted in the afternoon:
Rizzi Fondetta Barbaresco 1999
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, and pungent with bright cedar mingled with sea salt and balsamic accents. Quite a bit of oak, it seems. On the palate it's full and rich, with powerful savory minerality supported by warmth and acidity. It's particular, and you have to like the style: I would serve it more with foods than far from the table. It seems stylistically different from the 2006 -- much more oak -- though I would want to taste a complete vertical before coming to a conclusion.
2 stars

Pelissero
Pelissero Nubiola Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is bright, with fairly rich berry fruit supported by lively sour cherry acidity. On the palate it's direct, with bright sour cherry fruit supported by deft acidity and by fairly bright tannins that flow into a fairly rich tannic finish. Direct, and up front, and this is in part because it is quite young, and needs time. 3-5 years, I would guess, by which point it may do very interesting things. In short, a wine to set aside, because it's not what it will become.
2 stars

Pelissero Pasquale Bricco San Giuliano Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with warm berry fruit supported by some green leather and fairly deft spice, with hints of cedar and slight tar mingled with slight hardwood ash. On the palate it's full, with cherry fruit that's not quite as full as I expected, supported by tannins that have a peppery burr and flow into a clean rather tannic finish; there's also not quite as much acidity as I might have hoped for -- the direction ends up coming from the tannic bitterness, and though it works it's not as interesting. In the wine's defense it is very young, and needs at least a couple of years to begin to show well.
1 star

Eredi Lodali
Eredi Lodali Lorens Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is bright, and vegetal, with greenish accents and berry fruit whose interaction brings a cupcake to mind, supported by heather and some sage. Quite a contribution from wood. On the palate it's ample and smooth, with fairly rich cherry fruit supported by moderate acidity and smooth cedar laced tannins that flow into a clean decidedly cedar laced finish. A richly oaked wine, and if you like the style you will like it, because there is sufficient fruit to stand up to the wood, though you do have to like the style. Expect it to age well for 8-10 years.
2 stars

Rivetto
Rivetto Cè Vanin Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is bright, with greenish sour berry fruit supported by berry fruit acidity and some vegetal accents, with underlying rosa canina and spice. Nice balance, and fairly rich. On the palate it's bright, with lively berry fruit supported by brisk acidity and by smooth sweet youthful tannins that flow into a clean bright fairly tart finish. It's very young, a toddler, but will drink well with succulent red meats, and ahs the wherewithal to age nicely for a decade or more. Very traditional, and I found it growing upon me.
2 stars

La Ganghija
La Ganghija Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is dusky, with greenish spice that brings nettles to mind, supported by cedar and some green leather; there's not much fruit. On the palate it's ample and smooth, with fairly rich cherry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins and by fairly bright acidity that flows into a tart berry fruit finish. Pleasant in a middle of the road key, and will drink quite well with succulent red meats or stews; it also has the capacity to age well for a decade or more. Worth seeking out, and one of those wines one hates to pour out at a tasting.
88-90

Terrenostre
Terrenostre Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is cedar laced, with some red berry fruit supported by rosa canina and cedar, with some mentholated accents as well, in addition to considerable alcohol. On the palate it's bright, with lively bitter berry fruit supported by brambly acidity and zesty tannins that flow into a warm peppery finish. It's bright, in a tomboysh key, and though slender now will become ethereal with time, and is (I Think) a wine to wait for. Because it will have much more to sat in 5-8 years than it does now.
2 stars

Fontanafredda
Fontanafredda Coste Rubin Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with greenish berry fruit supported by some cedar and spice, with a fair amount of alcohol as well. On the palate it's ample and rich, with lively cherry fruit supported by deft acidity and by smooth sweet tannins that flow into a clean bright sour berry fruit finish. Pleasant in a middle of the road key, and will drink quite well with grilled meats or stews, and also has the capacity to age well for many years --10 at least. It's not a wine that will stand out at a tasting, but will work very well with the dinner that follows it, and to my way of thinking that's more important.
88


Terre da Vino
Terre da Vino La Casa in Collina Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with slightly cooked berry fruit supported by spice and berry fruit jam. On the palate it's ample and rich, with smooth fairly rich berry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins; the acidity is quite sufficient to provide direction, though it's not really bracing. In short, middle of the road, and will drink nicely with a wide variety of meats in the short term; it also has the legs necessary to age well over time.
2 stars

Prunotto
Prunotto Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is fairly rich, with berry fruit supported by pleasing spice, a mix of nutmeg and hints of cinnamon, and a fair amount of warmth. Quite nice, in a middle of the road key. On the palate it's bright, with fairly rich berry fruit supported by sour cherry acidity and by smooth tannins that flow into a clean bright sour berry fruit fnish. Quite lìpleasant, and very young; it will drink nicely now with succulent meats -- lamb chops come to mind -- though it will richly reward those with the patience to give it a few years.
2 stars

Cantina del Pino
Cantina del Pino Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is intense, with ripe berry fruit -- strawberries -- mingled with sweetness and greenish spice. Quite pleasant in a youthful key. On the palate it's ample and fairly rich, with direct strawberry cherry fruit supported by bright berry fruit acidity and some greenish accents, while the tannins are rich and peppery, and flow into a clean rather bitter finish with a long tannic underpinning. Pleasant, in a very youthful key, and will drink well with succulent roasts or stews now, though it will reward those who have the patience to give it a few years.
2 stars

Mainerdo
Mainerdo F.lli Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine ruby with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with greenish vegetal notes mingled with spice, animal tang, and green leather. On the palate it's ample, with fairly rich cherry fruit supported by dusky overtones and spice, and some underlying savory salty notes. Fairly direct, and I found myself wishing for greater richness of fruit.
1 star

Adriano Marco e Vittorio
Adriano Marco e Vittorio Sanadaive Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Lively black cherry ruby with black reflections. The bouquet is rich, with greenish raspberry fruit supported by vegetal accents and spice. Nice balance, and very young and decidedly greenish. On the palate it's again fairly rich, with bright berry fruit supported by savory bitterness and a fair amount of warmth, which flows into a warm tannic finish.
1 star

Adriano Marco e Vittorio Basarin Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is deft, with rosa canina mingled with leather and spice from grapes; it's still developing but pleasant in a traditional key, and will become complex with time. On the palate it's rich and full, with powerful slightly jammy cherry and forest berry fruit supported by sour cherry acidity, and by tannins that are smooth, with the slightest of burrs, and promise to become velvety with time. Very pleasant in a traditional key; it's a child who will grow up to be a beautiful adult, and will be worth waiting for if you like the style. Even if you're of more modern tastes you'll find things to think about and enjoy. Worth seeking out.
2 stars

Adriano Marco e Figlio Basarin Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2004
Deep black almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is fairly rich, with tart rather graceful berry fruit supported by red currant acidity and some spice, nutmeg in particular, and some greenish accents mingled with wood smoke. On the palate it's ample, with bright berry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins and fairly rich berry fruit acidity. Pleasant, though not quite as tightly woven as I might have liked; the acidity is nice and confers considerable life to the wine, which will age well for a decade or perhaps more.
2 stars

Piazzo Armando
Piazzo Armando Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with vegetal-laced jammy berry fruit supported by acidity and spice. Young, and obviously needs time. On the palate it's ample, rich, and direct, with bright savory berry fruit supported by clean spice and tannins that have a splintery burr and flow into a fairly long tannic finish. It's approachable, in a middle of the road key, but needs time to come together and show its best -- 3- 5 years at least. I expect that it will do nice things over the next 10-15 years
2 stars

Piazzo Armando Sorì Fratin Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, and alcoholic, with moderate berry fruit supported by spice and warmth, with some cedar as well. On the palate it's direct, with bright berry fruit supported by lively berry fruit acidity and by fairly bright tannins that flow into a warm tannic finish. Middle of the road tending towards traditional, and will drink quite well with foods in the short term, though it will also age nicely for a decade or more.
2 stars

Tasted in the afternoon:
Commendator Armando Piazzo Barbaresco Riserva 1999
Almandine with brown reflections and brownish almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, and deft, with berry fruit supported by some menthol and leaf tobacco; by comparison with some the nose has considerably more fruit to it, and fewer tertiary aromas -- there is also considerable deft acidity supporting it. On the palate it's full and rich with powerful savory berry fruit supported by deft acidity and rich tannins that have a warm burr and flow into a clean fresh finish. Still young, and though it will soften with time -- which will do beautiful things -- I very much enjoyed it now.
90

Taliano Michele
Taliano Michele Ad Altiora Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is jammy, with berry fruit laced with strawberries and hints of raspberry acidity, and some greenish accents. On the palate it's ample, with fairly rich red berry fruit supported by bright acidity and by smooth sweet tannins that flow into a long fairly rich cherry and strawberry fruit finish. Pleasant, and will work quite well with foods now, though it also has the capacity to age well for a decade or more.
2 stars

Poderi Elia
Poderi Elia Serracapelli Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and some almandine in the rim. The bouquet is bright, with slightly brandied cherry raspberry fruit supported by a fair amount of acidity and some greenish cedar. On the palate it's full, and bright, with lively cherry fruit supported by brisk peppery acidity and haunting greenish tannins that flow into a greenish tannic finish. Very young, and needs at least 2-3 years to be drinkable, will age nicely in middle of the road key for 10-15 years. Worth seeking out to set aside.
2 stars

Barale Fratelli
Barale Fratelli Serraboella Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is elegant, with rather ethereal rosa canina mingled with spice and red berry fruit, and a fair amount of underlying alcohol. On the palate it's ample, and a bit lighter than some, with fairly rich sour cherry fruit supported by bright sour berry fruit acidity, and by smooth sweet tannins that display a degree of steel, though not much velvet yet. Will be quite pleasant in a graceful ethereal key when it has its legs about it -- in a year or two, and will age nicely for a decade at least.
2 stars

Cigliuti
Cigliuti Serraboella Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is dusky, with alcohol and some animal notes mingled with spice and cedar, and underlying rather sullen berry fruit. It doesn't seem happy. On the palate it's very young, with fauirly rich cherry fruit that's cut off at the knees by an angry peppery oaky burr that flows out to cover all else, and resolves into a fiery peppery finish. It's charged in an international heavily oaked key and simply not ready. At all; it will need 3-5 years to become approachable, and given the richness of the fruit that was present before the tannins asserted themselves, it will make it. But you have to like the style. The score reflects the present.
1 star

Pietro Rinaldi
Pietro Rinaldi San Cristoforo Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is rich, and very young, with brash sour berry fruit supported by greenish accents and some cedar, it's clearly developing but quite pleasant. On the palate it's bright, with rich cherry and forest berry fruit supported by considerable warmth and by tannins that have a peppery burr and flow into a fairly long rather dry finish; it's still coming together but will be quite pleasant in a middle of the road key when it does, say 2-3 years, and age well for many more thereafter. Do give it the time it needs.
2 stars

Antichi Poderi dei Gallina
Antichi Poderi dei Gallina Vigneto 'L Ciaciaret Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is a bit more rustic than some, with animal tang mingled with leather and some balsamic accents, and underlying berry fruit with mineral acidity and some alcohol. On the palate it's ample and languid, with rich sour cherry fruit supported by brambly mineral acidity and smooth sweet tannins that flow into a fairly long warm brambly finish. Traditional, and quite pleasant if you like the style; though it is (relatively) ready to drink now, it will also do interesting things with time, becoming lacy and ethereal.
2 stars

Tasted in the afternoon:
Antichi Poderi dei Gallina Vigneti L'Ciaciaret Barbaresco 1999
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is rich, with rosa canina and dried floral accents mingled with nutmeg and spice, some cedar, savory warmth, and underlying berry fruit. Nice balance and has a lot to say. On the palate it's full and rich, with fairly direct berry fruit supported by savory tannins and moderate acidity that flow into a clean bright berry fruit finish. It's more interesting on the nose than on the palate, which is a touch settled, thanks to less acidity than I might have liked. Pleasant in any case, but mature and (I think) no longer climbing.
2 stars

Lequio Ugo
Lequio Ugo Gallina Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Elegant almandine with black reflections and some orange in the rim. The bouquet is rich, with powerful sour cherry supported by rosa canina and hints of raspberry acidity and underlying green leather; it brings to mind a 20s siren giving a come hither look. On the palate it's ample and rich, with bright cherry fruit supported by deft sour berry fruit acidity -- hints of red currants in there too -- and by tannins that are smooth, and show hints of velvet, though they're also still quite young. One could drink it now with succulent red meats, but it will richly reward those blessed with the patience necessary to give it time. Many years, even. Worth seeking out.
2 stars

Oddero Poderi e Cantine
Oddero Poderi e Cantine Gallina Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is warm, and fairly rich, with delicate strawberry and forest berry fruit supported by alcohol and rosa canina, with alcohol and hints of underbrush providing depth. Nice balance and harmonious. On the palate it's ample and rich, and also quite young, with deft berry fruit supported by warm acidity and by tannins that are splintery, and have some tarry accents as they flow into a warm dry finish. Pleasant, in a fairly traditional key, and very young; it needs 2-4 years to get its bearings, and will age well for a decade or more.
2 stars

Cascina Saria
Cascina Saria Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Fairly deep black almandine with black reflections and white rim. The bouquet is bright, with rich berry fruit supported by peppery spice and greenish cedar, with direction coming from the duskiness of the cedar, and a fair amount of alcohol as well. On the palate it's smoother than I expected, with rich cherry and forest berry fruit supported by dusky berry fruit acidity and by cedar laced tannins that do display a peppery burr but aren't really angry, and flow into a finish that is quite long, with considerable youthful warmth. It's quite approachable, in a middle of the road to international key, and if you like the style you will enjoy it; even the more traditionally minded will find things to think about, and it will age nicely for 10-15 years.
2 stars

Ressia
Ressia Canova Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Fairly deep almandine with black reflections and orange in rim. The bouquet is bright, with fairly rich sour cherry fruit supported by some greenish accents and underlying spice. The overall impression is one of pleasant youthful directness; it's still developing. On the palate it's ample, with moderately intense berry fruit supported by some acidity, and by angry peppery tannins that overshadow most everything, and flow into a warm tannic finish. It's a squalling babe who needs time, at least a couple of years, and judging it now is rather like evaluating a toddler in the midst of a tantrum. Better to give it time, because the potential is there.
2 stars

Tenuta San Mauro
Tenuta San Mauro Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deft almandine with brownish black reflections and orange in the rim. The bouquet is elegant, with rich sour cherry and forest berry fruit supported by rosa canina and some green leather, with hints of leaf tobacco as well, and slight tar. Quite a bit going on, in a fairly traditional key, and it is inviting. On the palate it's ample and smooth, with bright sour cherry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity, and by smooth sweet tannins that have a slight peppery burr, and flow into a clean rather bitter finish. The palate is behind the nose; it will in any case age nicely for a decade or more, and is rather graceful.
2 stars

Bonino Romano
Bonino Romano Basarin Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black cherry ruby with black reflections and cherry rim. The bouquet is bright, with rich cherry fruit that has a rather voluptuous feel to it -- not quite starlet in a glass, but in that direction -- supported by some charcoal and cut flowers. On the palate it's ample, rich, and charged, with considerable fairly sweet cherry fruit supported by well polished smooth sweet tannins that flow into a slightly jammy fruit finish. Quite approachable in an international key, and if you like a richer, more fruit driven style you will enjoy it. If you're more traditionally minded, it won't work as well for you. It's approachable now, but will also age nicely for a decade or more.
2 stars

Giacosa Fratelli
Giacosa Fratelli Basarin Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is bright, with mentholated cherry fruit supported by greenish spice and some dusky dappled shade. On the palate it's ample and smooth, in a rich fruit driven key, with bright cherry fruit supported by brisk acidity and by tannins that are fairly smooth, though they do reveal a cedar-laced peppery burr that continues into the finish, which is fruit laced. It's very young, in a middle of the road key, and needs time, a couple of years at least, at which point it will work quite well with succulent red meats, and I think it will also age nicely for at least a decade. The palate is further along than the nose, though both need time.
2 stars

Giacosa Fratelli Basarin Vigna Gian Matè Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with deft rosa canina and sour cherry fruit supported by greenish spice and some nutmeg. Pleasant. On the palate it's ample, with bright sour cherry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity, and by tannins that are powerful, and have a youthful burr; it needs another couple of years to really come into its own, but will already drink now with succulent red meats. If you can bear infanticide, that is; it's a wine that is going places and it will be interesting to follow its journey. I would expect it to age quite well for 10-15 years.
2 stars

Tasted in the afternoon:
Giacosa Fratelli Rio Sordo Barbaresco 1999
Pale brownish almandine with almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with spice and nutmeg mingled with leaf tobacco and dried lfowers, with some rosa canina as well. Nice balance, with considerable elegance and depth. On the palate it's full, with rich red berry fruit supported by deft, bright berry fruit acidity and by tannins that are rich and fairly smooth, flowing into a clean somewhat sour spicy finish with lasting warmth. Pleasant, and will drink quite well with succulent grilled meats or hearty stews, and also has the wherewithal to age well for another 5-10 years.
89-91

Negro Angelo e Figli
Negro Angelo e Figli Basarin Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is dusky, with greenish spicy berry fruit supported by sea salt and slight stable straw, and also by a fair amount of greenish cedar. On the palate it's bright, with lively cherry fruit supported by considerable greenish cedar, some minty accents, and by deft berry fruit acidity that flow into a fairly clean fresh berry fruit finish. It's middle of the road in key, and needs a couple of years for the tannins to smooth in and come together; when they do it will work quite well with succulent meats. But do give it time.
2 stars

Fontanabianca
Fontanabianca Sorì Burdin Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is deft, with rosa canina mingled with Moroccan leather and some dried flowers; there's also some minerality but not much in the way of fruit. On the palate it's brighter than the nose suggested, with frankly zesty berry fruit supported by considerable almost lemony acidity, and by tannins that have a warm splintery burr, and flow into a long warm tart finish that lasts. It's quite young, in a traditional key, and the nose is still developing; it will age nicely and is worth considering if you're traditionally minded. If you prefer riper more fruit driven wines it won't work as well for you. In any case, give it time, because it will do interesting things.
2 stars

Castello di Neive
Castello di Neive Santo Stefano Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is dusky, with moderate berry fruit supported by cedar and some greenish accents with underlying bitterness and alcohol. On the palate it's ample and soft, with moderately intense jammy berry fruit supported by sweet splintery tannins that flow into a warm slightly splintery tannic finish. It's lax, and I'd have liked more depth to the fruit, and also greater tightness overtones the weave of the wine.
1 star

Castello di Neive Santo Stefano Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2004
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is dusky, with cedar and leather, supported by savory accents and pungent wood smoke; as it opens rosa canina also emerges, stepping to the fore. On the palate it's bright, with rich cherry fruit supported by considerable peppery acidity and by tannins that are decidedly peppery and angry, and flow into a warm tart berry fruit finish. It's aggressive, and if you like the style you will enjoy it, though I would give it a few more years to develop because it is very much in angry mid stride now. With time -- many years -- it could become quite elegant in a rather ethereal key. But it's not there yet.
2 stars

La Contea
La Contea Ripa Sorita Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with greenish accents mingled with cedar and some pungent spice, but not much fruit. Other things are instead carrying the show. On the palate it's full, with generic red berry fruit supported by moderate acidity and by tannins that have an obvious cedary oaky component, and flow into a smooth rather bitter finish, the oak again making itself known. It's very young, and needs time to smooth the tannins, but I would have liked more freshness and fruit than I found. It is instead rather tired.
1 star

Tasted in the afternoon:
La Contea Ripa Fiorita Barbaresco 1999
Lively almandine with almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with leathery berry fruit supported by spice, warmth, and some balsamic accents. On the palate it's full, and fairly rich, with clean fresh berry fruit supported by dusky acidity and warmth, and by smooth sweet tannins that flow into a clean fresh tannic finish with a greenish spicy underpinning. Nice balance in a fairly direct key, and will drink quite well with succulent red meats; it's also still quite young.
2 stars

Punset
Punset Campo Quadro Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is bright, with greenish accents mingled with tart spice and the airiness of a fall afternoon; there's not that much fruit. On the palate it's full with bright sour cherry fruit supported by berry fruit acidity and by fairly rich tannins that flow into a clean bright berry fruit finish. The palate is ahead of the nose, and I found myself rather liking it; it has a pleasant acidity that promises long life. If the nose follows the palate, it will do interesting things, though I would give it 3-5 years to develop, and expect it to age for at least 15. In short, a wine for the future, not for today.
2 stars

Punset Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep almandine with almandine rim. The bouquet is charged, with considerable balsam mingled with leather and some stable straw, with savory accents and hints of smoke and petroleum as well. Not much fruit. On the palate it's ample and rich, with powerful, bright sour cherry fruit supported by cheeky sour berry fruit acidity, and by tannins that are smooth, and have slight savory leathery accents, flowing into a tart finish with some hints of petroleum. It's frankly old style, and if you like the old style you will enjoy it. If you're of more modern tastes you won't but it will work well with succulent red meats regardless. In short, for some but not for all.
2 stars

Punset Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2004
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, with some berry fruit supported by warmth and some greenish accents. One track at present. On the palate it's bright, with lively sour cherry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins and brisk berry fruit acidity that flow into a clean tart finish. The palate is much more interesting than the nose, and I would give the nose time to develop. This said, it's bright in a middle of the road key, and will drink well with succulent red meats, though as I said, I would give it time. It grew upon me.
2 stars

Tasted in the afternoon:
Punset Barbaresco 1999
Pale almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich with greenish berry fruit supported by alcohol and spice from grapes: it comes across as quite intense and quite young, and though it's not going in several directions, it hasn't completely settled either. Not bad for a wine that's 10 years old. On the palate it's ample, with bright sour cherry fruit supported by sour berry fruit acidity that flows into a clean bright sour cherry finish. A very young wine with considerable depth that still has many years ahead of it, but will already drink quite well with stews and roasts now. Impressive and vibrant in its youth.
88-90

Punset Campo Quadro Barbaresco 1999
Lively almandine ruby with brownish black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is bright and rich in a fairly traditional key, with balsamic notes and spice supported by leaf tobacco and leafy vegetal accents, as well as sea salt. On the palate it's full, rich, and more delicate than the Barbaresco Base, with deft sour berry fruit supported by clean bright berry fruit acidity and by smooth sweet rather green tannins that flow into a clean fresh berry fruit finish with lasting warmth and a greenish tannic Nebbiolo underpinning. Impressive, and will drink very well now with succulent red meats - a Porterhouse comes to mind - though if you can bear to give it more time it will put it to very good use.
90-91

A few more Camp Quadros, tasted at Vinitaly in March 2009:
Punset Campo Quadro Barbaresco 2001
Pale almandine with almandine ruby rim. Bright bouquet with fairly rich cherry fruit supported by spice and some rosa canina. Vigorous and very young for a 2001; it's also pleasant to sniff. On the palate it's full and rich with vigorous cherry fruit supported by warm sour cherry acidity and by smooth tannins that have a peppery burr and flow into a clean fresh berry fruit finish. Quite nice and still very young; an excellent example of a superb vintage that will age well for many more years.
90-91

Punset Campo Quadro Barbaresco 2003
Pale almandine ruby with almandine rim. The bouquet is deft, and more along than the 01's, with leaf tobacco and berry fruit supported by considerable alcohol and some fresh peppery spice. Nice balance and not overripe, which is an achievement, considering how hot the 2003 summer was. On the palate it's full and smooth with fairly rich leathery cherry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins that flow into a clean fresh berry fruit finish with tart acidity. It is much more mature than the 01, almost to the point that comparing them is like comparing apples and oranges, but a nice interpretation of 2003.
2 stars

Punset Campo Quadro Barbaresco 2004
Almandine ruby with almandine rim. The bouquet is bright, with rich berry fruit supported by jammy accents and some vegetal notes. Nice balance and very young. On the palate it's full and rich, with bitter red berry fruit supported by bright berry fruit acidity and by smooth berry fruit acidity and slightly greenish tannins that flow into a long warm finish. Quite pleasant in a youthful zesty key and will work very well with foods, though it will richly reward those blessed with patience.
90-91

Punset Campo Quadro Barbaresco 2005
Lively almandine ruby with almandine rim. The bouquet is muted, though swishing brings up bright berry fruit supported by hints of green leather and rosa canina, while there is also some cedar, and deft acidity. On the palate it's full, rich and very young, with powerful rather scrappy acidity supporting greenish berry fruit -- it was a cooler, wetter vintage -- that flows into a clean fresh greenish finish. It's quite elegant in a cooler vintage key, and will drink very well with red meats. I would expect it to be longer lived than the 2003, though not as long-lived as either the 2001 or the 2004.
2 stars

Rivetti Massimo
Rivetti Massimo Froi Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is rich, with saddle leather mingled with rosa canina and bright berry fruit, also some nutmeg and slight greenish accents. Graceful and cheeky, too. On the palate it's bright, with rich cherry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins and by deft berry fruit acidity that flows into a clean bright cherry finish. It's graceful in a sinuous way, and will become willowy with time; one oculd drink it now, but it has a charm to it that will increase with time. Worth seeking out if you prefer the traditional, more acidic style, and even if you prefer less acidic wines you will find things to enjoy. I would give it 3-5 years at least, and expect it to age well for 10-15 or more.
88-90

Battaglio
Battaglio Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with greenish accents and some bitterness mingled with spice; not much fruit. On the palate it's brighter than the nose suggests, with fairly rich sour cherry fruit supported by brisk acidity, and by tannins that have a warm savory burr and flow into a tart savory finish. The nose is behind the palate, which I rather enjoyed; assuming it follows the palate's lead the wine will clean up nicely, in a fairly traditional key, and work well with grilled meats or light stews, But it needs a couple of years to come together. At present it's out in left field.
1 star

Fattoria San Giuliano
Fattoria San Giuliano Barbaresco DOCG 2006
Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is elegant, with rich slightly sour cherry fruit supported by mentholated greenish spice, and by fairly rich jammy accents; it gives an impression of being in a hurry and also in mid stride. On the palate it's ample, bright, and also fairly sweet, with bright sour cherry fruit supported by berry fruit acidity and cedar laced tannins, while there is an undercurrent of sweetness too -- not much, but it is there -- that flows into a clean rather green finish. It's particular, going in its own direction, and if you like the style, you will enjoy it. But you have to like the style; because of its brightness it will work well with succulent meats, and also age well for many years.
2 stars

Dante Rivetti
Dante Rivetti Bricco Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2004
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is powerful, with rich rosa canina mingled with dried flowers and nutmeg, with sweetish accents as well, and some strawberry that can happen with a young Nebbiolo; quite pleasant to sniff and has a lot to say -- as it opens interesting greenish jammy notes also emerge. On the palate it's ample, with fairly bright berry fruit supported by dusky acidity and by sweet tannins that have some greenish overtones and flow into a tart greenish finish. I found it more settled on the palate than the nose, and think this may be a phase the wine is in. In other words, I'd give it 3-5 years, and expect it to do interesting things by then.
2 stars

Tasted in the afternoon:
Dante Rivetti Bricco Barbaresco Riserva 1999
Almandine with brownish almandine reflections and orange rim. The bouquet is fairly rich in a traditional key, with considerable savory balsamic acidity supported by stable straw and savory spice, and greenish leaf tobacco as well. Nice balance. On the palate it's full and rich with fairly bright cherry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins that flow into lasting warmth. Elegant in a traditional key and will work very well with food; it's a little too nervous to work as a meditation wine, but will continue to age well for another decade at least.
2 stars

Prinsi
Prinsi Fausone Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2004
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim,. The bouquet is rustic, with balsam and wet stable straw mingling with savory notes and Moroccan leather; there's not much fruit, but there is lathered horse and nutmeg spice. On the palate it's ample and smooth, with rich, leathery cherry fruit supported by a sweetness that brings cola to mind, and by tannins that have a warm splintery burr and flow into a warm leathery tannic finish. It's a bit disjointed, and the sweetness is odd too. Particular, and not for all.
1 star

Tasted in the afternoon:
Prinsi Barbaresco Gallina 1999
Almandine with black reflections and lam rim becoming orange in the nail. The bouquet is rich, with cedar-laced duskiness supported by berry fruit and greenish vegetal accents, with warmth and some tingly acidity. On the palate it's ample and rich, with clean fresh berry fruit supported by brisk berry fruit acidity and by tannins that have a warm rather splintery peppery burr, and flow into a warm fairly tart berry fruit finish. It is pleasant, but not quite as deft as I thought it would be -- the palate stumbles, as it were.
2 stars