Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco 2018

WA 93 / JS 93 / Wine & Spirits 93 pts

In 2018 the Produttori did not bottle their Riservas. Instead, all of the best lots of those grapes went into the straight Barbaresco bottling,

WA: The Produttori del Barbaresco 2018 Barbaresco is a beautifully lean and luminous expression of Nebbiolo, and that pretty color should remain intact over time. The aromas are bold and ripe with dark and purple fruit, but the bouquet shows interesting twists with earth, truffle, licorice and grilled herb. As the wine opens in the glass, you begin to notice heavier aromas of raisin and dried apricot. It wears a warm-vintage signature for sure, and for that reason, I would suggest a shorter drinking window for the 2018. Best After 2023.

JS: Lovely barbaresco, with all the typical nebbiolo characteristics, such as red berries, mushrooms and dried leaves, as well as hints of bitter orange peel and spice. All this follows through to the medium-to full-bodied palate, where fine, lightly firm tannins add a little grip and additional focus. Compact, but bursting with flavor. Delicious now, but give it a year or two. It will only get better.

W&S : The challenging conditions in 2018 led Produttori to forego all of their single-cru wines, a difficult financial decision for the winery but an opportunity for wine lovers. This wine opens with classic scents of tar and roses, red berry and cherry flavors that are ripe and round, freshened by notes of fennel and thyme, and deepened by that cru level fruit. Grab a case if you can.