Barbaresco Riserva Montefico, Produttori del Barbaresco 2014

Wild berry, fragrant blue flower, baking spice and a balsamic note of menthol shape the nose. Structured and focused, the tense palate delivers juicy red cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and cinnamon while taut, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity provide the backbone. It has a youthfully austere finish that promises great aging potential. Drink 2022–2036.

Vineyard size: 3.9 ha (9.6 acres).Vineyard exposure: south. Soil: limestone. Vinification: fermentation at 30 °C (85 °F), 28 days’ skin contact, malolactic completed. Ageing: 36 months in large oak barrels and 12 months in bottle. Bottling date: April 2018. Total production: 6,666 bottles (half of the normal production due to frost and hail). This is bottle number 159. Mid ruby with orange tinges. Cool, iron and red fruit with notes of raspberry coulis and sour cherry. A rich but still very reluctant layer of red fruit on the palate and coated with rich, chewy tannins. A real slow burner with great potential. Fascinating. 14% Drink 2022-2030