This spring the IGP Group -- Carlo Macchi, Luciano Pignataro, Stefano Tesi, Roberto Giuliani and I (youll find links to their sites on the side bar) -- asked Marinella Minetti, who runs Wellcom, an astonishingly competent PR firm in Alba, to gather samples of the current vintages of Barbaresco (the 2008 vintage) and Barolo (the 2007) for us to taste. She did, and this October we drove up and tasted them over the space of several days, in the company of Pasquale Porcelli, who tastes with Carlo for Winesurf. It was a spectacular week, with the only wrinkle being that Roberto came down with the Flu and was unable to come.
At the end of each tasting session -- they were blind, and held in the mornings -- we talked together and selected the wines that we all found noteworthy, posting them as IGP selections on our sites. What we do with our tasting notes is up to each of us, and I am posting them here, indicating which wines were IGP selections, and scoring all of the wines as I normally do. You will note that some I scored highly didn't make the cut, but this is what happens when a panel tastes -- everyone has to be impressed by a wine or it doesn't make it.
Before getting to the wines, a word on the wine and the vintage. Barbaresco is one of the great Piemontese red wines, and is produced from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the communes of Neive, Barbaresco and Treiso (and, to a tiny degree, Alba), all of which are located on the right bank of the Tanaro river downstream from Alba. The 2008 vintage is not of as uniform quality as some other recent vintages have been. Though there were some exceptions, I found that in general the wines from the Communes of Barbaresco and Treiso showed significantly better than those from Neive, with nice fruit and bracing acidity in a variety of styles; as always, you'll have to match the wines to your tastes but there are many fine bottles to be had. Neive's wine is instead more uneven.
The Wines, tasted October 17 2011
Bersano Mantico Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep cherry ruby with garnet reflections. The bouquet has fresh berry fruit mingled with cherries, some iodine, and roses, supported by raspberry acidity, some graphite shavings and brambles. Nice balance. On the palate it's bright, with rich cherry fruit supported by lively acidity and brambly tannins with a warm burr. Nice depth, and bright with considerable finesse; it will become elegant in an ethereal key and be long lived.
2 stars
Battaglia Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep cherry ruby with black reflections. The bouquet is vinous, with cedar, some sweetness, chocolate, and camphor but not much fruit. On the palate it's ample, with moderate bitter fruit, some greenish cedar, moderate acidity, tannins that are cedar laced and somewhat lumbering, and a bitter chocolate-laced finish.
2 stars
Batasiolo Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Lively garnet ruby with brilliant reflections. The bouquet is closed, though swishing brings up some cedar, slight vinous notes, hints of mint and bramble, and some alcohol, which increase in intensity as it opens. Not much fruit. On the palate it's pleasant, with bright berry fruit supported by acidity, slight greenish accents, and bitter splintery tannins that flow into a long splintery finish with bitter accents and sour berry fruit. Needs time for the nose to develop and the tannins to smooth.
2 stars
Bonfante Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep cherry ruby, darker than others. The nose has berry fruit, some sea salt, slight balsam, slight leaf tobacco, alcohol, moderate spice, and some truffles; there's not much fruit. On the palate it's bright, with sour cherry fruit and bitter accents, there's a considerable burr to the tannins, which flow into a long dry splintery tannic finish with graphite shaving bitterness and greenish accents. I found it a little tired, though this is also its being very young and disjointed. It needs at least a year to begin to come together.
1 star
Borgogno F.ll S & Bouquet Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep cherry ruby with black reflections. The bouquet is moderately intense, with moderate berry fruit, some spice, slight alcohol, some rosa canina, some balsamic notes, and slight tar with hints of leaf tobacco. On the palate it's ample, fairly soft, fairly rich, with moderate fruit and a bitter underpinning.
1 star
Cantina del Nebbiolo di Vezza D'Alba Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Pale almandine ruby with black reflections. The bouquet is closed, cool, and somewhat musty, with alcohol, spice, greenish accents, sea salt, bitterness, and some cedary bramble. On the palate it's moderately intense with sour berry fruit, some metallic notes, hot iron, and moderate acidity; the tannins are fairly bright, with a burr, while the finish has berry fruit and hot iron.
1 star
Ceste Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep cherry ruby with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is closed, though swishing brings some fruit, cherries, rosa canina, slight camphor, leaf tobacco, slight cedar, and spice; it's quite young. On the palate it's pleasant, with bright berry fruit supported by berry fruit acidity and tannins that have graphite shaving bitterness and a cedary underpinning, and flow into a clean rather bitter finish with a graphite shaving burr. Pleasant in modern key, needs time.
2 stars
Enrico Serafino Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is muted, with some berry fruit supported by acidity, cherry fruit, and brambles. I found it somewhat non-descript. On the palate it's bright, moderately intense, with cherry fruit supported by berry fruit acidity and by tannins that are moderately intense and have a slight burr, flowing into a fairly long bitter finish. It's pleasant, but doesn't really enthuse me.
1 star
Gianolio Tommaso Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Pale cherry ruby with almandine reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, with white truffles, minerality, some jammy fruit, iodine, and mustiness that brings to mind wet paper. On the palate it's ample, and rather lax, with fairly bright sour cherry fruit supported by graphite shaving laced bitter acidity and by tannins ample and smooth, savory, and flow into a savory finish. It could be tighter.
1 star
Rivetto Cè Vanin Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep almandine ruby with black reflections. The bouquet is dusky, with cedar, pungency, some alcohol, moderate berry fruit that ahs some leaf tobacco accents, and spice. On the palate it's moderately intense, with moderate sour berry fruit supported by greenish accents, minerality, and splintery greenish tannins with an underlying bitterness that flow into a greenish finish. Needs time, but will always have a rather greenish thin feel, I think.
1 star
San Silvestro Cantine Magno Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep black cherry with almandine reflections, almandine rim. The bouquet is powerful, and green, with graphite shaving and bitterness, alcohol, savory notes, and some spice but not much fruit. On the palate it's ample, and fairly sweet, with sweetish berry fruit supported by graphite shaving bitterness and dry tannins, spice, slight earthiness, and a long bitter finish. Graphite in a glass.
1 star
Sordo Giovanni Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep almandine with ruby reflections, almandine rim. The nose is rustic, with balsam, stable straw, lathered horse, greenish notes, stable muck. On the palate it's moderately full, with bright, sour cherry fruit with bitter tannins; the finish reflects nose with bitter animal accents. Far into rustic, and a wine you should only consider if you like style.
1 star
Terre da Vino La Casa in Collina Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is closed, though swishing brings up some jammy notes, berry fruit, fig Newton, spice, and slight tar. On the palate it's fairly light, with sour cherry fruit supported by bright berry fruit acidity and dusky tannins that flow into a clean sour finish. Pleasant in a lighter key, will be ethereal with time.
2 stars
Adriano Marco e Vittorio Sanadaive Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep cherry ruby with black reflections, cherry rim. The bouquet is closed, with some wet paper, slight graphite some savory bitterness. Needs time. On the palate it's savory with moderately intense berry fruit, sour berry fruit acidity, and splintery tannins that flow into a bitter finish.
1 star
Manera F.lli Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep cherry ruby with black reflections and cherry rim. The bouquet is oaky, with considerable cedar, some bitterness, chocolate, cocoa, and some berry fruit. On the palate it's pleasant, with fairly bright cherry fruit supported by cocoay tannins. Nice in an international key; a fellow taster says it's the "Banfization of Barbaresco."
2 stars
Piazzo Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. Muted bouquet, with some berry fruit and bitter accents, and as one swishes some greenish accents, minerality, and alcohol, but not much fruit. On the palate it's nondescript, with moderate fruit, supported by mineral acidity and smooth tannins that do have a slight splintery burr, and flow into a bitter finish. I found it lacking in brightness of fruit and richness, and a bit dry.
1 star
Piazzo Fratin Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The nose is musty; a fellow taster finds anchovies, while I find some balsam, some warmth, and slight stable straw. On the palate it's moderately intense, with bitterness and some berry fruit supported by fairly bitter tannins that flow into a graphite shaving laced bitter finish. I found it lacking fruit.
1 star
Prunotto Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Black almandine with ruby reflections, almandine rim. The bouquet opens with cedar, dusky accents, spice, dried orange peel and savory notes; there's also alcohol, and it's slightly pungent. On the palate it's ample, softer than expected, and fairly bright with sour cherry fruit supported by raspberry acidity and tannins that are quite dry, flowing into a sour slightly mineral finish with acidity and some quinine bitterness. There's a disconnect between nose and palate; it needs a year or two to decided what it's doing. Fairly direct in any case, but could go places.
2 stars
Abrigo Orlando Meruzzano Vigna Rongallo Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep black cherry ruby with black reflections, cherry rim to almandine. The bouquet is oaky, with cedar and spice overshadowing fruit, but nicely done in international key. On the palate it's ample and smooth, with fairly rich cherry plum fruit supported by moderate acidity, plums, and tannins that have chocolaty accents and flow into a smooth chocolate and cold coffee finish. Very international, and a wine you should consider if you like the style.
2 stars
Abrigo Orlando Montersino Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep black cherry with black reflections and cherry rim paling to almandine. The bouquet is dusky, with cedar, sea salt, greenish accents, spice, and slightly bitter savory notes but not much fruit. On the palate it's ample and rather dusky, with moderate fruit supported by cedar bitterness and cocoa, flows into a cocoa laced rather bitter finish. Not bright, and the fruit lacks verve.
1 star
Abrigo Orlando Rocche Meruzzano Barbaresco DOCG 2008
An IGP Selection
Deep black almandine with black reflections, cherry rim. The bouquet opens with cedar, some spice, and moderate fruit, as it opens becomes berry fruit, while there are also graphite shaving bitterness, some spice, and licorice root. On the palate it's moderately intense, with minerality and sea salt supported by bitter tannins, graphite shavings and some underbrush with licorice root accents. A very mineral interpretation of Barbaresco, and a wine to consider if you like the style. It grew on me.
2 stars
Grasso F.lli Vallegrande Barbaresco DOCG 2008
An IGP Selection
Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is powerful, with fairly intense cedar, spice, some licorice root, bitter accents, and slight pungency, but not much fruit. On the palate it's full, with bright, rich cherry fruit supported by berry fruit acidity and savory accents while the tannins are warm splintery, displaying nice depth, and flow into a long bright tannic finish. The nose is behind the palate, but there is nice potential, and it will reward those who give it time.
2 stars
Azienda Agricola Molino Ausario Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep pigeon blood ruby with cherry rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with balsamic notes, slight wet cardboard, spice, some large wood, dried orange peel, some bitterness, and dusky accents. On the palate it's ample, with moderate fruit cherry with some jammy plum accents, supported by moderate plum acidity and by smooth tannins that do have a slight greenish burr, and flow into a plum finish with hints of sweetness and lasting warmth.
2 stars
Azienda Agricola Molino Teorema Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep pigeon blood ruby. The bouquet is closed; swishing brings up some graphite shavings and slight bitterness, but nothing else. On the palate it's brighter, with cherry fruit supported by greenish accents and spice, savory notes, and sweet tannins; the palate is more interesting than nose and I'd give the nose a while to get its act together. It's too young to say much about.
Pelissero Giorgio Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep black cherry ruby. The bouquet is fairly rich, with cedar and cherry fruit supported by savory notes, some bitterness, sea salt, and greenish leaf tobacco accents. On the palate it's ample and soft with more bitter minerality than fruit; a fellow taster mutters about coconut, which I do find in the finish. Lacks fruit and richness.
1 star
Pio Cesare Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep almandine with almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with cherry fruit and some rosa canina, chocolate, slight cedar; as it opens rich, and rather swanky berry fruit emerges with some savory notes. Quite modern in style. On the palate it's pleasant, with rich cherry fruit supported by sour raspberry fruit acidity and smooth savory tannins with pleasant mineral accents that do have a youthful burr, and flow into a clean savory finish. Pleasant in international key, and you'll like it if you like the style.
2 stars
Pio Cesare Il Bricco Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep black almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is fairly intense, with a lot of wood; it opens with cedar and dusky accents followed by spice, bitterness, menthol, and graphite shavings. Again, oak. On the palate it's ample and smooth, with moderate berry fruit supported by well-polished tannins and savory mineral acidity that flow into a clean savory finish with dry tannic underpinning. A lot of oak, that the fruit does (barely) digest; it's quite international in style and more extreme than may international wines now are.
2 stars
Rizzi Pajoré Barbaresco DOCG 2008
An IGP Selection
Pale almandine with black reflections almandine rim paling to orange. The bouquet has iodine, bitterness, and rosa canina, displaying nice depth in a rather essential key, and promises ethereality. On the palate it's medium bodied, with bright berry fruit supported by minerality, some sour berry fruit acidity, and iodine, while the tannins are fairly smooth and savory, with a flight burr, and flow into a long mineral finish. It's fairly traditional, and a wine to seek out if you like the style, which is austere, privileging finesse over power. It will be long lived.
2 stars
Rizzi Nervo Fondetta Barbaresco DOCG 2008
An IGP Selection
Lively cherry ruby with cherry rim. The bouquet is opens with bitterness, some cedar, leaf tobacco, bitter cocoa, and minerality, but not much fruit. On the palate it's bright with lively sour cherry fruit supported by bitter tannins sea salt, and bright berry fruit acidity. Pleasant in a powerful fairly traditional key, with an abundance of fruit and acidity that is still working at coming together. Expect it to go places.
2 stars
Antichi Poderi dei Gallina Gallina I'Ciaciaret Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Pyrope with almandine rim. The bouquet is quite ripe, with prunes, plums, spice, and gum Arabic. On the palate it's ample and fairly bright, with sour plum fruit laced with greenish accents and supported by moderate acidity and dry tannins with a greenish underpinning and some savory notes.
1 star
Azienda Agricola Elia Na Giurnà Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep black almandine with black reflections almandine rim. The bouquet pungent, with greenish accents, spice, slight shellac, and some gum Arabic. On the palate it's better, but not great, with berry fruit supported by sour accents and spice, while the tannins are bitter, and the finish rather green and rather savory.
1 star
Fontanabianca Bordini Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Almandine with black reflections almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with leaf tobacco, hints of shellac, bitterness, dry leaves, savory accents, and a fair amount of alcohol, Not much fruit. On the palate it's fresh and bright, with fairly rich berry fruit supported by leafy minerality that brings an oak forest to mind, and rather light tannins with youthful splinteriness. Pleasant finish with warm sour cherry acidity and mineral accents. Will be ethereal.
2 stars
Fontanabianca Serra Boella Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is savory, with slight bitterness, green leather, leaf tobacco, and some spice, but not much fruit. On the palate I found it to be nondescript; there is moderate fruit, supported by savory notes, moderate mineral acidity, some spice, and fairly smooth full tannins that flow into a bitter finish. I'd have liked greater richness to the fruit.
1 star
Francone Vigneti I Patriarchi Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep pale almandine ruby brilliant reflections almandine rim. The bouquet is funky, with wet horse, bitter accents, balsam, stable straw, and some fairly sweet berry fruit; it's unsettled and going in several directions. On the palate it's fairly bright, with lively balsam laced cherry fruit supported by greenish accents; the tannins are bitter and slightly balsamic, and flow into balsam laced finish. Traditional in style, and the palate grew upon me.
2 stars
Lequio Gallina Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Almandine with black reflections, almandine rim. The bouquet is oak in a glass, with cedar, minerality, some candied accents, and spice; very international. On the palate it's fairly bright, sour cherry fruit supported by bitter tannins that have a cedar underpinning and flow into a slightly green cedary finish. The palate is better than the nose, but very international, and you should only consider it if you like this style.
2 stars
Marchesi di Barolo Serragrilli Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep black cherry ruby with black reflections, cherry rim. The bouquet is rich, with berry fruit, some truffles, jammy accents, some spice, and plum fruit; it's fairly charged in a ripe key, and as it opens further greenish mineral accents and some leaf tobacco also emerge. On the palate it's ample and smooth, with ripe sour berry fruit supported by bight berry fruit acidity; the tannins are smooth with a slight burr, and flow into a warm sour finish with leaf tobacco underpinning and lasting warmth. Very young and needs time.
2 stars
Musso Pora Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep pigeon blood ruby with almandine rim. The bouquet is greenish, with some licorice root and rhubarb, slightly spiky minerality, wood smoke, and as it opens some stable straw. On the palate it's ample with fairly rich fruit, and fairly soft, with moderate citric mineral acidity and tannins that are fairly smooth, with a slight burr. I'd have liked more depth.
2 stars
Negro Angelo Cascinotta Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Lively ruby with black reflections. The bouquet is powerful and unusual, a sweaty redhead on a hot day, animal, with some dried orange peel spice. Particular and takes no quarter. The palate reflects nose, with bright sour berry fruit supported by savory accents and smooth tannins that flow into a savory finish with greenish accents and, again, that redhead. The aromas are still in youth, and she may fade with time, but it is a wine in a style you have to like.
2 stars
Negro Giuseppe Gallina Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep pyrope with black reflections and almandine rim paling to orange. The bouquet is cooked, with jammy accents, prunes, and some savory spice, but mostly cooked. On the palate it's ample and soft, with jammy cherry plum fruit supported by warmth and some greenish accents, and by tannins that are rather dry and slightly greenish.
1 star
Negro Giuseppe PianCavallo Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep cherry ruby with black reflections almandine rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, with acidity, greenish notes, pungency, leather, some minerality, leaf tobacco, some cedar, and not much fruit. On the palate it's softer than expected, with moderate fruit supported by considerable minerality and cedar-laced tannins with a splintery burr, flowing into hazelnut skins in finish, which is splintery and mineral with some cedar. Lacking in richness of fruit.
1 star
Oddero Poderi e Cantine Gallina Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is a bit rustic, with berry fruit and greenish accents, floral notes, menthol, cedar, balsamic accents, and some wet leaves. Savory notes too as it opens. On the palate it's bright, peppery even, and more mineral than fruit driven, with considerable bitter savory notes, peppery tannins, some mineral acidity, which flow into a rather bitter mineral finish with iodine and India ink bitterness. It's a bit garrulous.
1 star
Pelissero Pasquale Bricco San Giuliano Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep black almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is moderately intense, with green leather, brambles and some leaf tobacco, but not much fruit. On the palate it's ample and savory with moderate fruit and savory tannins supported by sour berry fruit acidity with some greenish accents, which flows into a slightly splintery finish.
1 star
Punset Campoquadro Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Black almandine with black reflections. The nose is a bit rustic, with moderate fruit supported by sweat, green leather, greenish vegetal accents, cooked chicory, and some mineral accents with slight hints of petroleum. On the palate it's brighter, with sour berry fruit supported by savory notes that do reveal some sweaty accents, and by tannins that are fairly smooth, though they do reveal some splintery youth in the finish.
1 star
Ressia Canova Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is somewhat cooked, with sugary jammy berry fruit supported by greenish accents, spice and some melon rind. The palate is moderately intense, with sour cherry fruit supported by acidity, some savory notes, and tannins that are deft and rather savory, flowing into a savory finish. It's in mid stride and needs time, though it is rising.
2 stars
Rivetti Dante Bricc'Micca Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep almandine with almandine rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, with brambly berry fruit with some acidity, alcohol, some greenish notes, spice, and moderate fruit. On the palate it's fairly bright, with lively cherry fruit supported by berry fruit acidity and tannins that have a cedary underpinning, flowing into a clean tannic finish with cedar underlying the wine. More brightness and perk would have been nice.
1 star
Scarpa Antica Casa Vinicola Tettineve Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep almandine with black reflections almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rustic, and animal, with some balsamic accents, wet stable straw, some minerality, slight graphite, acidity, and alcohol. Nice balance in a quite traditional key. On the palate it's bright, with fairly lively mineral berry fruit supported by minerality and splintery tannins that have slight greenish accents, and flow into a mineral finish with tannic accents and some leaf tobacco. If you like the style, which is traditional, you will enjoy it, and can also expect it to age nicely too.
2 stars
Torregiorgi Barbaresco DOCG 2008
An IGP Selection
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with leaf tobacco and minerality, some spice, some greenish accents, slight pungency, and slight goudron; there's nice depth in an ethereal key. On the palate it's ample and bitter, with minerality and leaf tobacco supporting wet leaves and mineral acidity, while the tannins are fairly smooth though they do display a youthful splinteryness. Pleasant though not fruity, revolves more around minerality.
2 stars
Socrè Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is oaky, with spice and cedar supported by greenish accents, leaf tobacco, and some greenish accents. On the palate it's full, with fairly rich berry fruit supported by tannins that are savory and cedar laced, flow into a clean cedar laced finish with fruity underpinning. The palate is better than the nose, with pleasant fruit, and needs a year or two to come together; if the nose follows it it will be pleasant in a modern key.
2 stars
Adriano Marco e Vittorio Basarin Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep cherry ruby. Closed nose, with swishing reveals some spice and a little cedar, and slight wood smoke, but not much fruit. The palate is decidedly mineral, with minerality overshadowing fruit, much to the delight of a fellow taster (I found that it brings to mind certain Lagreins). If you like the style you will enjoy it.
2 stars
Boffa Carlo Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep pigeon blood ruby with black reflections. Intense nose, with iodine and dried porcini, considerable graphite shavings, some bitterness, and road tar on a cool day. On the palate it's ample, with considerable bitterness, moderate fruit, and rather dry tannins that flow into a greenish wet leaf finish; there's something of an oak forest to it.
1 star
Boffa Carlo Pajé Barbaresco DOCG 2008
An IGP Selection
Deep pigeon blood ruby. The bouquet is fairly intense, with cedar and graphite shavings, some bitterness, and more minerality than fruit. On the palate it's fairly rich, in a bitter key, with sour berry fruit supported by graphite shaving bitterness and sea salt that flow into a fairly long leaf tobacco laced finish with some bitter accents. At present it's almost a work in progress; it needs time to come together, and when it does will be quite pleasant in a fairly traditional key
2 stars
Boffa Varlo Ovello Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep black cherry with black reflections, pyrope in rim. The bouquet is dusky, and rather pungent, with some animal aromas, slight cow flop, spice. On the palate it's a bit brighter, with sour cherry fruit supported by berry fruit and savory accents and some bitterness, and considerable minerality, which I might have liked more fruit to balance. The tannins are dry and flow into a dry tannic finish. It's still coming together, and very much in mid-stride; the score reflects this.
2 star
Cascina delle Rose Rio Sordo Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep black cherry ruby with black reflections, some almandine in the rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, and smoky, with some spice On the palate it's fairly rich, with cherry fruit supported by graphite shaving bitterness, and spicy rather bitter tannins, and flows into a bitter finish. A very mineral wine, and though I was telling myself it wasn't impressive I found myself giving it a good score. Go Figure.
2 stars
Cascina delle Rose Tre Stelle Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is muted, though swishing brings up some berry fruit and some alcohol supported by some alcohol and some oak; there's not much definition. On the palate it's ample, with brighter than expected berry fruit supported by moderate acidity and splintery tannins.
1 star
Ceretto Bricco Asili Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is quite oaky, with greenish accents and leaf tobacco, considerable cedar, and some spice; it smells like a wet barrel slat. On the palate it's brighter than the nose suggests, with lively greenish berry fruit supported by sour greenish acidity and by tannins that are greenish and cedar laced, flowing into a decidedly tannic finish. If you like oaky wines you will enjoy it, and it also has good aging potential.
2 stars
Ceretto Bricco Asili Bernardot Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep black cherry ruby with black red and cherry rim. The bouquet is a bit funky, with wet cardboard, spice, greenish accents, some brambly acidity, and not much fruit. On the palate it's ample and smooth, with fairly rich cherry fruit supported by moderate berry fruit acidity, splice, tannins that are smooth and warm finish warm, with some sour cherry. The nose needs time to come together and develop, reaching the palate, which is more interesting. A potential flower for the future
2 stars
Ceretto Asij Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim The bouquet is greenish, with spice, savory notes, and acidity, and as it opens some pungent berry fruit and tartness. On the palate it's moderately intense, with bitterness and moderate acidity supported by minerality and tannins flowing into a long dry, bitter tannic finish.
1 star
Cortese Giuseppe Rabajà Barbaresco DOCG 2008
An IGP Selection
Almandine with ruby reflections almandine rim. The bouquet is elegant, with rosa cainina, berry fruit, spice, herbal accents, slight cedar; it's quite deft and eminently inviting. On the palate it's full, with rich cherry fruit supported by lively berry fruit acidity, tannins that are smooth but display a slight greenish burr, and flow into a warm long berry fruit finish with a sour slightly tannic underpinning. Quite pleasant, and has a great deal to say.
2 stars
Giacosa F.lli Basarin Barbaresco DOCG 2008
An IGP Selection
Deep almandine with black reflections almandine rim. The bouquet is elegant, opening with violets, some spice, and menthol; it displays nice depth and elegance and is pleasing. On the palate it's ample, with bright berry fruit supported by plum sweetness -- it's somewhat riper than some of the wines -- with smooth sweet tannins supported by minerality and graphite shaving bitterness, and flowing into a clean rather bitter finish .Nice depth and elegance.
2 stars
Giacosa F.lli Basarin Gian Maté Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep pyrope with black reflections. The bouquet is muted, though swishing brings up some berry fruit, considerable alcohol, some acidity, and brambly notes. On the palate it's ripe, with cherry plum fruit supported by quite a bit of alcohol and moderate acidity. A bit thin, and alcohol carries the show.
1 star
Marchesi di Gresy Martinenga Barbaresco DOCG 2008
An IGP Selection
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is moderately intense and elegant, with vegetal notes, greenish accents, brambles, and some spice, elegance that also emerges on the palate, with deft berry fruit supported by clean sour berry fruit acidity and smooth sweet tannins. It's graceful, revolving more around elegance than finesse, and will become ethereal with time. Casting PC aside, it captures and distracts, rather like a pretty girl who causes heads to turn by just walking down the street.
88-90
Moccagatta Bric Balin Barbaresco DOCG 2008
An IGP Selection
Deep black cherry ruby with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with berry fruit supported by some cedar and slight leathery accents . A bit rustic but pleasant. On the palate it's bright, with fairly rich cherry plum fruit, brisk green leather acidity with some leaf tobacco, a fair amount of alcohol, tannins that are smooth but greenish in youth and flow into a long clean bright berry fruit finish. Quite pleasant.
2 stars
Moccagatta Basarin Barbaresco DOCG 2008
An IGP Selection
Deep black cherry ruby with black reflections cherry rim. The bouquet is ripe and fairly international in style, with pleasant spice, cherry plum fruit with sweetish accents, and some cedar. On the palate it's quite ripe, with cherry plum fruit supported by alcohol, fairly brisk acidity, and smooth sweet tannins. Quite a bit going on, with nice depth and elegance.
2 stars
Moccagatta Cole Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep black almandine with black reflections and cherry rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, with graphite shaving, some bitterness, iodine, spice, and slight fruit. On the palate it's ample and smooth, with moderate fruit supported by peppery spice, cedar laced tannins, and some sour cherry acidity that flows into a fairly long finish
2 stars
Moccagatta Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep pigeon blood ruby. The bouquet is moderately intense, with spice, some cedar, slight graphite shavings, slight fruit, and some greenish accents. Lacks complexity. On the palate it's ample and nondescript, with cherry plum fruit supported by moderately intense slightly bitter mineral acidity that flows into more of the same in the finish
1 star
Montaribaldi Sorì Montaribaldi Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine finish. The bouquet is pleasant in a fairly rustic key, with balsamic accents, wet stable straw, some greenish accents, balsamic notes, some berry fruit and sour berry fruit acidity, and balsamic acidity. On the palate it's pleasant in a traditional key, with moderately intense berry fruit supported by balsamic acidity and peppery tannins that flow into a clean decidedly tannic finish with peppery accents. If you like the style you will enjoy it, and it will age nicely too.
2 stars
Montaribaldi Palazzina Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep pigeon blood ruby with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with cherry plum fruit supported by some sweetness, jammy accents, some greenish brambly notes. On the palate it's bright, and ripe, cherry plum fruit supported by peppery tannins that have some greenish accents, and flow into a decidedly peppery finish with quite a bit of alcohol. Needs time, and is fairly aggressive; you will like it if you like the style, which does have oaky accents, but give it time.
2 stars
Musso Rio Sordo Barbaresco DOCG 2008
An IGP Selection
Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with berry fruit supported by licorice root, some cedar, greenish accents, leaf tobacco, bramble and some gum Arabic, also warmth and alcohol. On the palate it's bright, with fairly rich cherry fruit supported by lively berry fruit acidity and tannins that have a slight splinter, and flow into a long warm sour cherry finish with splintery tannic underpinning., Pleasant in a middle of the road key
2 stars
Poderi Colla Roncaglie Barbaresco DOCG 2008
An IGP Selection
Deep black almandine with black reflections. almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with greenish accents, savory notes, sea salt, bramble, sunny accents, and sour berry fruit On the palate it's fairly bright, and savory, with moderate berry fruit supported by sour berry fruit acidity and greenish accents, while the finish is long and tannic. It is frankly behind at present, but with time will do interesting things. In short, a promise for the future.
2 stars
Produttori Del Barbaresco Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is cedar laced with some greenish accents, spice, and slight berry fruit. On the palate it's fairly bright, with nice sour cherry fruit supported by greenish accents and greenish tannins that flow into a clean rather vegetal finish. Nice depth and pleasant though very young. Needs time
2 stars
Punset Basarin Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep black almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is fairly intense, and greenish with leaf tobacco and green leather, some salty tomato sauce, slight animal accents, wet stable straw, balsamic accents, and peppery spice. On the palate it's bright, with lively sour cherry fruit supported by deft slightly balsamic berry fruit acidity and tannins that have warm balsamic accents, and flow into a clean bright rather balsamic finish, It does have some rustic accents, and is a wine you will like if you like the style.
2 stars
Rattalino Massimo Quarantadue Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, and mineral with some cooked fruit accents and spice. Greenish. On the palate it's ample and fairly direct, moderately rich, with savory berry fruit and spice.
1 star
Rattalino Massimo Quarantatrè Barbaresco DOCG 2008
Deep almandine with black reflections. The, bouquet is moderately intense, with greenish accents, spice, leather, and spice, but not much fruit. On the palate it's rather ripe, with bright berry fruit supported by ripe plum accents and spice; the tannins are quite dry, greenish, and flow into a dry tannic finish.
1 star
Taliano Michele Ad Altiora Barbaresco DOCG 2008
An IGP Selection
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with bright berry fruit with jammy plum prune accents and some spice; it's pleasant in rich ripe key. On the palate it's ample, ripe and rich with powerful ripe fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins with slight berry fruit accents, tannins are a bit rich, and flow into a clean bright slightly splintery finish. Quite ripe, and you'll much enjoy it if you like the style.
2 stars
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