Barbaresco Montestefano, La Ca' Növa 2018

The 2018 Barbaresco Montestefano is brisk and engaging. This is an especially strict reading of Montestefano that seems to have more of Montefico-like sense of vibrancy and tension. Rosewater, orange peel, white pepper and bright red-toned fruit are all finely cut. The 2018 comes across as a touch severe today. I would cellar it for a few years and see what happens.

Barbaresco. Tasted blind. Just mid ruby that already looks a little developed and with orange tinges. Cherry-pie nose with touches of cinnamon stick. The palate is much less forward with concentrated cherry fruit, supple acidity and gorgeous, long, ripe, chewy tannins. Immediate and ready and very pretty. 2021-2030