Barbaresco, Produttori del Barbaresco 2019

High expectations for this new release coming from such a highly lauded vintage, the 2019 does not disappoint. Bold and punchy from start to finish, the nose boasts a multi-layered melange of lavender, violets, ripe red and black cherries, botte oak spice, potpourri and perfumed bathroom soaps. Seductive and muscular, the palate is as bold as it gets with a rich vein of textured mineral tannins over dense, sweet pithy berry fruits before the finish is overwhelmed by a chalky, spicy, stony minerality. This is a very serious piece of kit with high aspirations and serious intent that is sure to seduce serious Piedmont Nebbiolo collectors. 2024-2045

This is extremely floral and bright on the nose with lavender, violets and dark berries. Orange peel too. Full-bodied and solid with firm tannins and a tight finish. Better in 2024.

There is a more pronounced mineral and delicately spiced character to the 2019 Barbaresco, with notes of wet asphalt and kirsch and vibrant purity. It has elegant concentration, with fine coiled tannins in its hints of tea leaves, bergamot, and ripe wild raspberry, and has a more pronounced structure. This is a fantastic expression. Drink 2024-2040.

The 2019 from Produttori is quintessential Barbaresco, offering layers of leather, tobacco, sweet red fruit and pressed dried flowers on the nose. The palate has a silky, generous entry and is bursting with character. Dried rose, bright red cherries and strawberries, cigar leaf and toasted almond all come through. The structural elements are seamless and beautifully balanced, tannins and acidity are perfectly matched. Expansive on the finish with a hint of blood orange and amaro, this is a top effort in a great vintage. You can drink this now, but it will undoubtedly improve in bottle.