Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Montestefano Riserva 2014 Magnum

WE 96 / VM 95+ / JR 18

WE: Forest floor, red-skinned berry, leather and tobacco aromas mingle with a balsamic note. The focused, structured palate delivers juicy Morello cherry, raspberry compote and licorice while a graphite note backs up the finish. A backbone of fine-grained tannins and bright acidity gives it an age-worthy structure. Drink 2021–2034

VM: One of the many highlights in this range, the Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is superb. A big enrobing wine, the Montestefano wraps around the palate with stunning depth. Today, the Montestefano is utterly embryonic, and yet it exudes depth, resonance and pure class. The Montestefano is one of the more complete wines in the range because of the way it deftly balances fruit intensity and structure. Readers will have to be patient, though. (AG) 95+

JR: Mid ruby and a shade brighter than the Montefico. Subtle peppery strawberry and raspberry but not really open yet. Compact and tightly built with lively succulent red fruit on a big foundation of formidable, majestic tannins. Long, precise and powerful yet contained. 18/20 points.