Barbaresco

The grapes for this exceptional wine come from vineyards at 450 metres above sea level in the Neive district. Fine spicy notes, dark berries and wet earth dominate the precise structure and power of this nevertheless very elegant red. Buy, store and revel in anticipation! SUPERIORE.DE

"Combines fine fruit with a red berry background and a note of box sage typical of the winery, everything seems velvety and solid at first, towards the finish more and more of the wood comes through and overlays the fruit, in addition salty and with elegantly bundled fine radiance." Weinwisser

"Savory and tightly wound, with black cherry and plum fruit framed by juniper, menthol and licorice accents. Vibrant and firmly structured, this lingers with spice notes and a chalky feel on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Lots of roses to the red fruits and dry earth aromas. Some lemon bush. It’s medium–bodied with chewy tannins and a leaner and fresh finish. Drinkable, but better in a couple of years." James Suckling

"The 2019 Barbaresco Vigneto Valeirano continues its progression as the most improved of the Spinetta Barbarescos. Dark cherry, plum, spice, menthol, dried herbs, leather, sage and incense fill out the layers effortlessly. The tannins, often quite potent here, are present, they are nicely integrated in the wine's fabric. The Valeirano is the most savory and mineral (and least fruity) of the Spinetta Barbarescos." Vinous

"Packaged with the distinctive rhinoceros label, the La Spinetta 2019 Barbaresco Valeirano Vürsù has some ripeness and softness that is expressed with blackberry, plum and sweet spice. The wine is structured and full–bodied, but it also shows integrated tannins that support the wine in a firm but effortless manner." Wine Advocate

Ceretto's single-vineyard Barbaresco Bernadot shows off its elegance and graceful personality. From the fruit of a 4.8-hectare, organically and biodynamically farmed site in Treiso, planted at an altitude of 400 metres above sea level, this pretty Barbaresco develops very specific aromas of wild berries, spices, liquorice and iron rust. These flavours are also essential components of its classic Nebbiolo game on the palate, as is its light and silky texture. Barbaresco Bernadot is very straightforward, delicately flavoured and has a supple personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby-garnet colour with a sparkling core. Rich raspberries and sugared strawberries on the nose, some pomegranate and truffles. On the palate with a red berry centre and a slightly creamy texture, shows a lot of fine-meshed tannin, appears very polished, describes a long arc." Falstaff

"Lustrous, youthful ruby. Serious cherry- and strawberry-fruit nose that is still a little subdued. Stunning lightness of touch yet long and concentrated, with long, finely chiselled tannins. Super-elegant and wired at the same time." Jancis Robinson

"Very floral with orange blossom, iron, cedar, and dried spice. Medium body, firm and slightly lean in the middle palate. Firm and racy. Lightly chewy. Needs a couple of years to soften." James Suckling

"Beautiful florality and almost baked cherry sweets - cherry drops - on the nose, rose, Caramac bars, vanilla, white chocolate and lavender - an infusion of sweet, fruit and floral elements. Statuesque on the palate, ripe and massy, but so well textured - like crushed velvet with a powdery and also fleshy aspect to the tannins so they expand and fill the mouth and leave a lingering chalky, powdery salinity on the tongue and cheeks. Round, ample yet defined and detailed, so much going on but with no one element overpowering another building to a really impressive overall impression. Acidity is beautiful, and there are cola flecks that give the freshness and savoury touch. The power shines at the end where the tannins constrict and just grip the final flavour, so you know this is a big wine with long ageing potential." Decanter

"The 2020 Barbaresco Bernardot is a super-classic Barbaresco from Treiso. Dried cherry, spice, tobacco, leather, incense and cedar all grace this understated, exquisite Barbaresco. Time in the glass brings out compelling inner sweetness and perfume. This is such a gorgeous wine." Vinous

"The organic 2020 Barbaresco Bernadot offers a darker fruit performance with black cherry and blackcurrant. Like the other wines from this hot and sunny vintage, you taste the ripeness of the fruit and some background softness that comes with the territory (and the growing season). The Ceretto team delivers a deft hand, and you'll notice the etched sharpness and focus of the wine in terms of mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"From a plot located in Treiso, at about 400 metres, raw material that benefits from biodynamic management. Jammy sour cherries on the nose, with touches of peony, nuances of dogwood peel and mentholated touches. Juicy-savoury on the palate, with a fruity-floral return." Luca Gardini

Barbaresco Bricco di Treiso presents itself with more power and depth than the normal Barbaresco. Dark red stone fruit, menthol, spices, leather and some cedar wood on the nose. Powerful on the palate, even at a young age, with plenty of muscle power which, together with the harmoniously balanced tannin and acidity structure, suggests a great, long life with a promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a sparkling centre and delicately brightening rim. Great, appealing and open nose, of fresh cinnamon powder, ripe raspberries, plus some sealing wax and white pepper, savoury and inviting. Very elegant and polished on the palate, with tightly woven tannins, beautiful salinity and a very long finish." Falstaff

"The Barbaresco Il Bricco 2019 is a very beautiful, beguiling wine. Sweet red cherry fruit, blood orange, cinnamon, mint and spices give the 2019 an impressive dimension and complexity. This deceptively medium-bodied Barbaresco shows great depth and power." Vinous

"Packed with cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavours, this red is restrained but harmonious and structured, with notes of iron, tobacco and undergrowth adding complexity in the long, dense aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Subtle, pure and pretty, this wine carries an intentional character. It offers dark cherry notes, both fresh and warmed, enhanced by sweet spice. Earthy and leathery undertones accompany fine but present tannins finishing with lifted acidity, built to last." Wine Enthusiast

"The fruit for this wine comes from the Bricco di Treiso MGA and immediately shows more softness and textural definition. The Barbaresco Il Bricco 2019 is multi-layered and rich with black fruits, spices, tar and a sweet hint of cinnamon. Il Bricco offers more overall power and structure for longer ageing in the cellar." Wine Advocate

"A solid and powerful Barbaresco with fantastic depth of fruit and multi-layered tannins. Full and so deep and concentrated, with great length and structure. Bark, berries, minerals and deep terroir and gravitas. Try it after 2027." James Suckling

Ceretto's single-vineyard Barbaresco Bernadot plays up its elegance and graceful personality. From the fruit of a 4.8-hectare, organically and biodynamically farmed site in Treiso, planted at an altitude of 400 metres above sea level, this pretty Barbaresco unfolds very specific aromas of wild berries, spices, liquorice and iron rust. These aromas are also essential components of its classic Nebbiolo game on the palate, as is its light and silky texture. Barbaresco Bernadot is very straightforward, finely spiced and with a supple personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, medium dense ruby garnet. Clearly marked nose with notes of sour cherry, some thyme and coriander seeds. Very precise in attack and course, opens with fine-meshed tannin, builds well, pithy and firm on the final, sweet melting on the final." Falstaff

"Youthful-looking mid ruby. Rather closed on the nose and pure and concentrated fruit on the palate that is still a little embryonic and with firm but truly ripe, complex tannins. The finish is breathtaking, with perfect balance. Simply gorgeous." Jancis Robinson

"Dried herbs, sour cherries, peaches and fresh mushrooms on the nose. Some cedar, too. Succulent and medium-bodied with fine, sleek tannins. Bright and well balanced." James Suckling

"Ceretto planted vines in Bernadot (400 metres above sea level) in 1997 and 1998. The nose shines for its elegant notes of earthy strawberry, fresh violet and a restrained bloody character. The attack is savoury with pomegranate fruit to the fore. It's full and ripe in terms of tannic structure, despite the extraction, with crisp acidity and a dusty finish. A wine full of delicacy but not without structure for the long haul. One to follow." Decanter

"A bright red, delivering a core of cherry and raspberry fruit supported by earth, mineral and wild herbs. Intense, complex and dense, this is solidly built and persists with an aftertaste of dark fruit, mineral and spice." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barbaresco Bernardot is dark, fleshy and wonderfully nuanced. Soft contours and silky tannins give the 2019 its racy, super-inviting personality. The Bernardot is usually a potent Barbaresco, but in 2019 it is all finesse, all the way. Rose petal, mint, dried cherry and cinnamon linger in this super-expressive Barbaresco from the Ceretto family." Vinous

"The organic Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco Bernadot shows a broader character and a more open-knit personality compared to the Asili. There is a lot of dark fruit, spice, truffle and earth to frame the medium-build of this elegant wine." Wine Advocate

Complex and multi-layered classic from the old master of Nebbiolo from Piedmont. Cedar wood, plum, red fruit, undergrowth and a hint of rose on the nose. Balanced, spicy flavour, firm tannins and a precise, long finish. This muscular monument of a red wine definitely needs a few more years in the bottle, with a little patience it will turn into pure elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"Fragrant and complex with aromas of ripe wild strawberries, sour cherry, raspberry and blood orange, wonderfully floral with rose petals. Wonderfully juicy on the palate with fine grip and skilfully concentrated red berry fruit; despite the warm, charming vintage, it is very youthful and grippy with almost crunchy fruit, the nobly arranged tannins and gripping, fine acid veins give additional freshness and verve. It seems to me that a change in style is taking place here towards an earlier harvest and more freshness." Weinwisser

"This round red wine shows flavours of cherry, raspberry, minerals, eucalyptus and hay. Balanced, with a good dose of well-integrated tannins that provide support on the lively finish." Wine Spectator

"The Barbaresco 2020 is a very young wine. In most years, the Gaja Barbaresco is quite striking, but the 2020 clearly needs time. It has great fruit intensity. Nowadays, the Gaja wines have less oak influence, which pushes the fruit forward, but also produces a wine that is a little more austere at the beginning." Vinous

"This wine shows the class, beauty and vitality of the noble Nebbiolo grown in the soils of Barbaresco. The wine opens with aromas of ripe cherries, warmed strawberries in sweet spices, fresh herbs and mixed flowers. The palate is lifted and vibrant with a verve that electrifies the palate as flavors of boysenberry, dried blood orange and black tea saunter about alongside well-intergrated tannins, making this wine drinkable now but ready for the cellar." Wine Enthusiast

"So many flavours of fresh rose petals and hibiscus tea. Medium bodied with a crisp and floral character with sliced strawberries and a bright finish. Very appealing with nice structure. Powerful on the finish." James Suckling

"Depth, structure and complexity are the hallmarks of Nebbiolo, and this wine not only offers these characteristics, but also a juicy portion of fresh berry fruit. It is blended from 14 different vineyards throughout the Barbaresco DOCG area with an average vine age of 40 years. Barbaresco is the wine with which the Gaja legacy began in 1859. Aromatic notes of spiced orange peel, an assertive bouquet of dried violet flowers and a hint of dried mint. On the palate, the spicy character of baking chocolate and fennel seed is balanced by an abundance of ripe red berry fruit - notes of strawberries and balsamic, raspberries, fresh mint and dried tobacco. The wine is richly structured, but a stylistic shift in the younger vintages of Barbaresco makes this wine immediately drinkable." Decanter

"Bright ruby-garnet colour, sparkling. Extremely fragrant nose of peach and pomegranate, then fresh plum, appears extremely fresh. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, opens up with elegant, polished tannins, fine raspberry notes, lingers for a very long time." Falstaff

This breathtaking Barbaresco (total production approx. 1,300 bottles) shows more power and intensity than you would normally find in a Barbaresco. It opens with heady aromas of wild berries, new leather, undergrowth and menthol. On the palate, it shows ripe black raspberries, juicy cherries and liquorice before finishing on a tobacco note. It is still youthfully nervous and somewhat austere, it still needs some time to develop fully. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barbaresco Montefico Vecchie Viti 2018 is exquisite. The 2018 has an exotic sweetness that I have not experienced in the past. Silky, elegant and graceful. As with all these wines, it is the purity of the tannin that stands out the most. Cedar, tobacco, spice and cherry linger on the lacy, savoury finish. This is a classic Montefico, given a touch of exoticism by the decision to harvest as late as possible." Vinous

"Aromatic and concentrated, this red features cherry, raspberry, hibiscus, earth, mown hay and green tea notes. The dense structure shows a more virile side of Barbaresco, building to a prolonged, full-throttle, earth- and tobacco-tinged finish." Wine Spectator

Roagna's Barbaresco Pajè Vecchie Viti opens with a bright garnet-red colour and a deep, shiny glow. The fruit of old vines manages to reach the impossible point between power and elegance. The wine shows a delicate and bright bouquet, but also a compact fruit and a long finish. You can feel this extra fullness on the finish. The production is around 2,500 bottles. SUPERIORE.DE

"Transparent ruby red colour. Vines over 80 years old provide the material for this exceptional Barbaresco with a cathedral-like appearance on the nose: the ethereal-balsamic superstructure with notes of sandalwood and incense, juniper and rosemary is complemented by fruity litanies of cherries, raspberry jam and blood oranges and adorned with floral overtones of violets, mallow and hollyhocks along with a pinch of white pepper. On the palate, the wine is precisely pared, elegantly understated and charming. The fine, long, taut acidity gives it an aristocratic polish, while the ripe, tightly woven tannins envelop it in the finest thread. Delicate and transparent, the delicate fruit illuminates the entire palate.

Conversations fall silent, glasses clink, laughter. His approachable manner seems jovial, yet he is demanding and emphatic with an epochal echo. Everyone gladly obeys." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"The Barbaresco Pajè Vecchie Viti 2018 is characterised by a striking inner sweetness. The Vecchie Viti is powerful and deep, but not in an obvious way. It has more inner sweetness and also more structure than the pure Pajè, but also less obvious depth, as strange as that may sound. Above all, I admire its freshness. It will be interesting to see how it develops in the bottle." Vinous

"This pure red features cherry, raspberry, rose and licorice flavors, underlined by mineral and tobacco elements. Taut and linear, with the essence of fruit, floral and mineral notes, showing terrific harmony and length on an elegant frame." Wine Spectator

"Transparent ruby red with a crimson fading rim. Spicy notes of cloves, allspice, mace and pepper mingle with cherries, bay and raspberry jelly, currant leaves and floral top notes of orange blossom complete the delight. On the palate, Crichët Pajé presents itself with great calm in a steady flow. Nothing is brash or exuberant here, but shines with distinguished elegance - an equilibrium in perfect balance. The aromatically exuberant nose is disciplined on the palate by the long, calm flow of focused, cool acidity, on whose shores fully ripe and fine-grained tannins entwine. Silky with an almost aristocratic nobility, its enormous complexity is revealed in the second sip when the flavors begin to unravel in the epic finish like a massive Win-Zip file. A wine for today, for tomorrow and for many, many more years to come. Undisputedly world class." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"Made with extremely old vines, the youngest of which are over 60 years old and most much older, this opens with aromas of new leather, scorched earth, underbrush and balsamic notes of camphor. Concentrated and boasting a great depth of flavors, the structured, full-bodied palate delivers raspberry compote, dried black cherry, carob and hazelnut alongside firm, enveloping tannins. Another compelling wine from the estate." Wine Enthusiast

"This red is full of mulled plum, cherry, menthol, stone and spice flavors. Concentrated yet fluid, with a tightly packed finish. Well-balanced and approachable now if decanted." Wine Spectator

"It's easy to fall into the cult of Crichët Pajé. The wine's name means "little hill" in Piemontese dialect, and the winemaking process is carefully weighed and contemplated. The Roagna 2011 Barbaresco Crichët Pajé is fermented with indigenous yeasts, with submerged cap and sees eight long years of aging in both oak and cement. Fruit is drawn from a half-hectare, south-facing parcel high on the Pajé slope that has been farmed by this family since 1953. The bouquet reveals wild berry fruit, rose hip, cedar, crushed stone, smoke and licorice. This expression is lightweight in texture, yet it expertly balances a full load of aromas and flavors on that small frame. The heat of the vintage has not hurt the freshness or the sharpness that you perceive here." Wine Advocate

"Just bottled, the 2011 Barbaresco Crichët Pajè is unbelievably refined. Sweet red cherry, rosewater, mint, dried flowers, pine and kirsch give the 2011 an upper register of perfume that is utterly beguiling. Silky and classy to the core, the 2011 is the most sensual Crichët Pajè I can remember tasting. There is plenty of tannin, that is clear, but it is also pretty much buried by the sheer luxuriousness of the fruit. This is such a gorgeous and complete wine. There is just an unreal amount of freshness for this dry, torrid year. Wow!!" Vinous

"Transparent ruby red with a crimson rim. Spicy notes of cloves, allspice, mace and pepper mingle with cherries, laurel and raspberry jelly, currant leaves and floral top notes of orange blossom complete the delight. On the palate, Crichët Pajé presents itself with great calm in a steady flow. Nothing is cheeky or exuberant here, but shines with distinguished elegance - an equilibrium in perfect balance. The aromatically exuberant nose is disciplined on the palate by the long, calm flow of the focussed, cool acidity, on whose shores fully ripe and fine-grained tannins entwine. Silky with an almost aristocratic nobility, its enormous complexity is revealed in the second sip, when the flavours begin to unfold in the epic finish like a massive Win-Zip file. A wine for today, for tomorrow and for many, many years to come. Undisputed world class." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"The 2012 Barbaresco Crichët Pajè is tight and not especially expressive today. In this vintage, the Crichët Pajè is a bit more floral and lighter in structure than it can be. Imagine Burgundy with Nebbiolo acids and tannins. Among other things, that means the 2012 will drink well with minimal cellaring, in relative terms for this bottling. Despite its reticence, the 2012 is also restrained and so nuanced. I can't wait to see how it develops in bottle." Vinous

"The 2012 Barbaresco Crichët Pajé is a beauty, and I am delighted to see that this hot and dry vintage has held up so well. These results are outstanding, as the wine continues to showcase tight berry nuances and an extra sharp level of primary fruit and general focus. This is a cult wine for collectors, and what they seek in this bottle is the deft hand of Roagna, especially when it comes to crafting a wine of important Piedmont culture and tradition. To the palate, you taste ripe cherry and dried raspberry, along with iron ore and camphor ash. This is an impressive bottle." Wine Advocate

"Camphor, truffle, wild berry and new leather are just some of the aromas you'll encounter on this riveting red. The enveloping, delicious palate shows both power and finesse, featuring dried cherry, pomegranate, star anise and tobacco framed in noble tannins. Surprisingly bright acidity for the warm vintage lends balance and even more intensity." Wine Enthusiast

This wine embodies the Piedmontese character: headstrong, persistent and silent, discreet and strong. Its colour is inviting ruby. Rich, elegant bouquet of berries and spices, initially reserved on the palate, then develops very balanced and smooth with precise structure, polished tannin and tight acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"There’s impeccable transparency and freshness to this Barbaresco on the nose, which introduces bright rose petals, lifted orange peel, crushed stones and sour cherries. The stoney tannins trace intricate detail on the medium-to full-bodied palate, highlighting the racy acidity, brambly undertones and a beautiful array of wild berries. Yes, there’s power and depth of flavor, but this is all about grace and beauty." James Suckling

Complex and multi-layered classic from the old master of Nebbiolo from Piedmont. On the nose cedar, plum, red fruits, undergrowth and some rose scent. Balanced, spicy taste, the tannins firm and the finish precise and long. This muscular monument of a red wine definitely needs a few more years of bottle ageing, with a little patience it will transform into pure elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"Tart, firm, tobacco, rose-scented and reminiscent of dried leaves, also a hint of cedar, with restrained red berry aromas, a little black berries, dried flowers and earthy tones. Firm and tart-juicy in the mouth, nutty, dried floral and slightly tarry aromas, present, ripe, rather fine tannin, persistent on the palate, rather concentrated, yet for all its power also fine and elegant, relatively bright style, ethereal nuances, a hint of truffle in the background, earthy-salty mineral tones, a hint of coffee grounds in the background, complex, still undeveloped, quite deep, again a hint of tar, very good to long, juicy, finely spicy, complex aromatic finish. Still needs a bit of time, even if it already has plenty of charm now." Wein-Plus

"Sparkling, brightening ruby garnet. Very clear and present nose with distinct notes of fresh plums, pomegranate and rhubarb, balanced. Exceedingly polished on the palate, lots of fine-meshed tannin, spreads out clearly and continuously, juicy fruit, salty on the final." Falstaff

"The 2018 Barbaresco has really come together nicely since I last tasted it. A super-classic wine, the 2018 offers up soaring aromatics, mid-weight structure and fine balance. Pure, transparent and impeccable in its balance, the 2018 is just sublime today. Time has been so beneficial here. Crushed red berry, spice, mint and rose petal grave this effusive, refined Barbaresco from Gaja." Vinous

"This red is beautifully defined by the purity of its cherry fruit, accented by floral, strawberry and mint. Juicy and graceful, with a line of moderate tannins on the extended finish." Wine Spectator

"The Gaja 2018 Barbaresco is a wine of grace and purpose, with an elegant bouquet and a more powerful palate presence. These recent releases from the venerated house of Gaja are some of the most transparent and honest expressions to be found anywhere in the Langa. Some of the flashiness we saw in the past is today replaced by subtle Nebbiolo nuances and finesse, with crushed flowers, coriander, wild berry, smoke, tar and candied orange peel. This shift in character runs parallel to the slow and careful management transition from an older generation to a younger one. This 2018 vintage comes alive in the mouth, thanks to its balanced acidity and the absolutely bright and pristine quality of fruit delivered with such care." Wine Advocate

"In 2018 Gaja did not produce any Sorì. All the grapes of San Lorenzo and Tildin have been used for this Barbaresco instead. 'It was a classic vintage, similar to 1991 or 1993,' said Rossana Gaja, 'however with 14% of alcohol.' It was cool and damp, so don't look for concentration, but the refinement and the freshness of this wine packs a punch. Scents of red berries, fresh violets, orange peel, wet slate and soft chocolate are followed by red fruit flavours. It's medium-bodied, loaded with polished tannins and lit up by racy acidity. More stylish than ageworthy, in my experience classic vintages such as this can give stunning results in the near term." Decanter

"Aromas of ripe strawberries with hazelnuts, blood oranges and some coconut. Full-bodied with very refined and polished tannins that nicely form this young red wine. Fresh and delicious aftertaste of berry, cedar, bark and dark chocolate. Ever so subtle, yet powerful and driven at the finish. Very long and intense. Very classical style to it and cooler. This is a blend of seven vineyards including the Costa Russi and Sori Tilden. Approachable now, but better after 2025 and onwards." James Suckling

Sorì San Lorenzo as seductive Barbaresco in sparkling rich ruby. The bouquet is powerful, compact and masculine with a hint of tar, liquorice and ripe fruit. On the palate it is wonderfully silky, very dense tannin, rich, multi-layered taste and endlessly long. Promises enormous development potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Very fine nose, lots of fresh cherries, some forest raspberry, fine spice in the background. On the palate it has a lot of powerful, dense tannin, but at the same time it has a fine sweet melt, very clearly marked, with notes of ripe plums and raspberries, in the finale long aftertaste, extremely polished". Falstaff

"Rich, layered, black cherry, tar and engine oil with a petrichor minerality. Tangy acidity, rounded tannins, medium body and long intensity. Incredibly elaborate, translucent like fine china and delicate yet full of beauty. Superb length." Jancis Robinson

"The 2015 Barbaresco Sorì San Lorenzo is endowed with serious concentration and power. In 2015, some of the site signatures that make Sorì San Lorenzo so distinctive are not especially apparent. It will be interesting to see how and when they develop. To be sure Sorì San Lorenzo comes across as not fully put together and also somewhat in conflict with the approach that drives today's Gaja wines." Antonio Galloni

"This celebrated vineyard site has more magnesium in its soils and that may be why you get such a strong mineral note. The 2015 Barbaresco Sorì San Lorenzo offers a complex bouquet with dark fruit, crushed mineral and grilled herb. This wine is very robust in terms of structure and therefore needs extra time in the bottle before it finds its proverbial sweet spot. You need patience to reap those excellent benefits. Drink after 2022." Wine Advocate

"The Sorí San Lorenzo vineyard is situated close to the Tanaro River, which undoubtedly helps moderate the temperature and initiates an earlier flowering period. Its sandy limestone soil provides perfect drainage and produces good tannin structure. This wine has depth, concentration and sweet primary fruit, with a touch of violet, meat, sweet cherry and wild raspberry. Lovely, polished tannins with some grip. It has benefitted from a slightly longer maceration, as well as eight months in barriques – seamlessly suffused into the wine – before spending the rest of the ageing period in large oak barrels." Decanter

"The aromas are mesmerizing with sandalwood, cedar, roses and dried strawberries. Full-bodied, tight and chewy with lots of pretty fruit and ultra-fine yet powerful tannins. Goes on for minutes. This needs three to five years of bottle age." James Suckling

"A bright, fruity version, boasting strawberry, cherry, floral, mineral and tobacco flavors, this is dense, solidly structured and vibrant, with a lingering, racy aftertaste. Very complex and well-balanced" Wine Spectator

Rabaja and Asili are probably the most famous sites in Barbaresco. Medium, finely fragrant nose of rose petals, cherries and blue blossoms, with restrained ethereal herbal notes. On the palate, powerful, compact and with a well-proportioned cornucopia of black fruits such as blackberry and cassis, plus some liquorice. As the wine progresses, it shows its power and a certain pressure, which, however, never comes across as wild or ostentatious, but always reflects the elegance of the site and the Giacosa-typical ageing in large wood. Impressive aroma and length! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Bruno Giacosa 2017 Barbaresco Rabajà is a fine and delicate wine that throws a curveball at our expectations of this notoriously hot and dry vintage. The wine is exceedingly generous when it comes to its fruit, especially its blackcurrant and plum, but what steals the show is that elegant mineral note that so seamlessly cedes to spice, licorice and cinnamon. Rabajà is one of the most distinctive growing sites in Barbaresco, thanks to its white stony soils that leave such a strong imprint on its wines. The wine is remarkable for its nicely linear and delicate style, but it ultimately proves its power and determination on the palate over many long minutes." Wine Advocate

Complex and multi-layered classic from the old master of Nebbiolo from Piedmont. On the nose cedar, plum, red fruits, undergrowth and some rose scent. Balanced, spicy taste, the tannins firm and the finish precise and long. This muscular monument of a red wine definitely needs a few more years of bottle ageing, with a little patience it will transform into pure elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, brightening ruby-garnet. Fragrant, finely marked nose, of raspberry, rose petals and ripe cherries, inviting. Polished, fine-meshed tannin characterises the wine on the palate, like a fine robe, salty, lots of ripe cherry, long final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Barbaresco from Gaja is magnificent. Bright and edgy, with fabulous balance, the 2019 captures all the best this difficult vintage had to offer. Gaja did not bottle any other Barbaresco crus, instead opting to use the best lots for this bottling. This decision has paid off in a 2019 that is bursting with excitement. The aromas alone are captivating. Bright acids add vibrancy to a core of beautifully pronounced Nebbiolo fruit." Vinous

"Aromas of iron, minerals, dark chocolate, wild strawberries, raw walnuts, orange peel and rotten roses. Medium to full-bodied, with supple and very chalky tannins. Lots of fruit on the palate with a fine, fresh and mineral finish. Pure and linear." James Suckling

"A complex red that reveals multi-dimensional aromas and flavours of rose, cherry, liquorice, minerals and spices. This is fused with a lively structure that gives a taut, almost racy profile at the moment. The wine combines power and grace and finishes on a long, floral and spicy aftertaste. Best from 2026 to 2045." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barbaresco is striking and beautiful as a result, with tremendous depth and clarity. It is a generous wine with ample structure, plenty of lively acidity, sweet tannins and a bright core of primary fruit." Wine Advocate

The magnificent Asili 2019 opens with a dark, compact appearance and shows an impressive level of aromatic intensity and complexity. On the nose, enticing aromas of cherry, strawberry, eucalyptus, plus hints of orange peel, rose petals and pine. Full to medium-bodied on the palate, crushed raspberries, juicy red cherries, cinnamon and chopped herbs. The fresh acidity and its exquisite tannins provide a bright and distinctly elegant frame to this. This wine continues to grow beyond itself with every glass, its great class is already undisputed! SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and round, this red wine shows aromas of cherries, raspberries, flowers and mint. The juicy texture balances the dense tannins and leaves a harmonious feeling on the long, well-structured finish." Wine Spectator

"With the white label, the 2019 Barbaresco Asili is a wine of exceptional clarity and focus. That brightness is applied to the bouquet and the mouthfeel alike, where the wine feels streamlined, elegant and tight. Asili is redolent of wild fruit, violets and candied orange peel." Wine Advocate

"Sweet and juicy aromas of mandarin oranges, freshly sliced ripe strawberries, cherries and flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate with supple and dense tannins that run the length of the wine and then lead into a dense, lively finish with plenty of fruit. It is full-bodied and well-structured, with finesse and energy. Silky texture. This wine needs at least four or five years to develop and open up. Try it after 2027." James Suckling

Rabaja and Asili are probably the most famous vineyards in Barbaresco. Medium, delicately fragrant nose of rose petals, cherries and blue flowers, with restrained ethereal herbal notes. Powerful and compact on the palate, with a well-proportioned cornucopia of black fruits such as blackberries and cassis, plus some liquorice. As the wine progresses, its power and a certain pressure become apparent, but it never comes across as wild or ostentatious, instead always reflecting the elegance of the vineyard and the typical Giacosa ageing in large oak. Impressive flavour and length! SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromatic and spicy, this red delivers cherry, strawberry, rose, anise, thyme and mineral notes backed by a solid spine of tannins. Vibrant, complex and balanced, with a silky texture and a lingering aftertaste of fruit and savory elements." Wine Spectator

"The Rabajà will still need some time in the bottle. At this young stage, it shows a pretty ensemble of dark berries, crushed rose, white stone and dusty liquorice root. Patience is required here." Wine Advocate

"Very fragrant and complex, with tangerine, jasmine, cedar wood, black truffle and iron. Full-bodied and very structured. Fantastic structure for this vintage. Very Barolo-like in structure. Give this wine at least four or five years to mature." James Suckling

Ceretto's Barbaresco Asili (approx. 4,000 bottles) is the clearest and most complete of the winery's impressive Barbaresco collection. It reveals a fine sweetness of cherries and redcurrants on the nose, followed by an extremely silky and fine texture on the palate. Following on from the bright berry fruit, its bouquet reveals subtle notes of gravel and delicate, salty flavours. Overall, an accessible and highly elegant approach with great freshness, fine tannins and great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of black cherries and dried flowers flow along the top of the glass as notes of earth, truffle and incense swirl below. Elegant but firm tannins, with the first sip showing savory flavors of black tea and herbs macerating with wild red fruits that linger for what seems like ages." Wine Enthusiast

"Extremely spicy with rose stems, orange peel and a few pieces of cedar wood. Full-bodied, very chewy tannins. Almost leathery. Becomes mineral and icy. Needs time to soften. Better after 2026." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco Asili 2020 is quite simply a textbook Asili. Fragrant and silky, with tremendous purity of fruit and class, the 2020 is so impressive. All the elements are so well balanced in a Barbaresco that impresses with its pedigree. A long, beautifully persistent finish rounds things off in style." Vinous

"The Ceretto 2020 Barbaresco Asili (a certified organic wine) shows aromas of violet fruits, especially summer plums and some blackcurrant. The wine opens in a dark garnet red colour with the advantage of the beautiful transparency that comes with Nebbiolo. The Asili seems to have a little more fruit weight and vigour in this warm vintage." Wine Advocate

"If there is one MGA that benefits from the richness of the 2020 vintage, it is the Asili, known for its lean, pure elegance. Parma violet is enveloped in watermelon fruit, leafy lightness and a base of spices among smoky woods, liquorice and roots. The lush fruit on the palate is carried by crisp acidity and dense, silky tannins, with a grippy, youthful finish, drenched in a tangy blood orange aftertaste. A very elegant Asili with volume. A great wine." Decanter

Crichët Pajé 2015 is one of the most captivating and striking wines anyone can discover in Piedmont. It possesses a ripe, savoury style with a fruit profile that tends towards cherry and plum compote flavours, accented by coffee, soy, tar and mineral notes, all supported by a dense layer of massive tannins. Despite the ripe fruit profile, this wine is surprisingly fresh on the finish and has excellent length. This still young wine should age for decades. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barbaresco Crichet Paje 2015 is a wine of extreme elegance and seduction. Bright red fruit, rose petals, tobacco, incense and spices give it a striking inner perfume. The 2015 is a wine of great aromatic presence and exceptional balance, which impresses above all with its balance between exoticism and classicism. Here, too, the balance is simply stunning." Vinous

"An opulent style, this complex red offers notes of cherry, plum, rose, fresh herbs, licorice, tar and mineral, with layers of flavor and texture unfolding as this builds to a long and nuanced aftertaste, where a stony mineral component lingers. So fresh, it's hard to believe this is closing in on a decade already." Wine Spectator

Complex and multi-layered classic from the old master of Nebbiolo from Piedmont. Cedar wood, plum, red fruit, undergrowth and a hint of rose on the nose. Balanced, spicy flavour, firm tannins and a precise, long finish. This muscular monument of a red wine definitely needs a few more years in the bottle, with a little patience it will turn into pure elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"Fragrant and complex with aromas of ripe wild strawberries, sour cherry, raspberry and blood orange, wonderfully floral with rose petals. Wonderfully juicy on the palate with fine grip and skilfully concentrated red berry fruit; despite the warm, charming vintage, it is very youthful and grippy with almost crunchy fruit, the nobly arranged tannins and gripping, fine acid veins give additional freshness and verve. It seems to me that a change in style is taking place here towards an earlier harvest and more freshness." Weinwisser

"This round red wine shows flavours of cherry, raspberry, minerals, eucalyptus and hay. Balanced, with a good dose of well-integrated tannins that provide support on the lively finish." Wine Spectator

"The Barbaresco 2020 is a very young wine. In most years, the Gaja Barbaresco is quite striking, but the 2020 clearly needs time. It has great fruit intensity. Nowadays, the Gaja wines have less oak influence, which pushes the fruit forward, but also produces a wine that is a little more austere at the beginning." Vinous

"This wine shows the class, beauty and vitality of the noble Nebbiolo grown in the soils of Barbaresco. The wine opens with aromas of ripe cherries, warmed strawberries in sweet spices, fresh herbs and mixed flowers. The palate is lifted and vibrant with a verve that electrifies the palate as flavors of boysenberry, dried blood orange and black tea saunter about alongside well-intergrated tannins, making this wine drinkable now but ready for the cellar." Wine Enthusiast

"So many flavours of fresh rose petals and hibiscus tea. Medium bodied with a crisp and floral character with sliced strawberries and a bright finish. Very appealing with nice structure. Powerful on the finish." James Suckling

"Depth, structure and complexity are the hallmarks of Nebbiolo, and this wine not only offers these characteristics, but also a juicy portion of fresh berry fruit. It is blended from 14 different vineyards throughout the Barbaresco DOCG area with an average vine age of 40 years. Barbaresco is the wine with which the Gaja legacy began in 1859. Aromatic notes of spiced orange peel, an assertive bouquet of dried violet flowers and a hint of dried mint. On the palate, the spicy character of baking chocolate and fennel seed is balanced by an abundance of ripe red berry fruit - notes of strawberries and balsamic, raspberries, fresh mint and dried tobacco. The wine is richly structured, but a stylistic shift in the younger vintages of Barbaresco makes this wine immediately drinkable." Decanter

"Bright ruby-garnet colour, sparkling. Extremely fragrant nose of peach and pomegranate, then fresh plum, appears extremely fresh. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, opens up with elegant, polished tannins, fine raspberry notes, lingers for a very long time." Falstaff

Complex and multi-layered classic from the old master of Nebbiolo from Piedmont. Cedar wood, plum, red fruit, undergrowth and a hint of rose on the nose. Balanced, spicy flavour, firm tannins and a precise, long finish. This muscular monument of a red wine definitely needs a few more years in the bottle, with a little patience it will turn into pure elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"Fragrant and complex with aromas of ripe wild strawberries, sour cherry, raspberry and blood orange, wonderfully floral with rose petals. Wonderfully juicy on the palate with fine grip and skilfully concentrated red berry fruit; despite the warm, charming vintage, it is very youthful and grippy with almost crunchy fruit, the nobly arranged tannins and gripping, fine acid veins give additional freshness and verve. It seems to me that a change in style is taking place here towards an earlier harvest and more freshness." Weinwisser

"This round red wine shows flavours of cherry, raspberry, minerals, eucalyptus and hay. Balanced, with a good dose of well-integrated tannins that provide support on the lively finish." Wine Spectator

"The Barbaresco 2020 is a very young wine. In most years, the Gaja Barbaresco is quite striking, but the 2020 clearly needs time. It has great fruit intensity. Nowadays, the Gaja wines have less oak influence, which pushes the fruit forward, but also produces a wine that is a little more austere at the beginning." Vinous

"This wine shows the class, beauty and vitality of the noble Nebbiolo grown in the soils of Barbaresco. The wine opens with aromas of ripe cherries, warmed strawberries in sweet spices, fresh herbs and mixed flowers. The palate is lifted and vibrant with a verve that electrifies the palate as flavors of boysenberry, dried blood orange and black tea saunter about alongside well-intergrated tannins, making this wine drinkable now but ready for the cellar." Wine Enthusiast

"So many flavours of fresh rose petals and hibiscus tea. Medium bodied with a crisp and floral character with sliced strawberries and a bright finish. Very appealing with nice structure. Powerful on the finish." James Suckling

"Depth, structure and complexity are the hallmarks of Nebbiolo, and this wine not only offers these characteristics, but also a juicy portion of fresh berry fruit. It is blended from 14 different vineyards throughout the Barbaresco DOCG area with an average vine age of 40 years. Barbaresco is the wine with which the Gaja legacy began in 1859. Aromatic notes of spiced orange peel, an assertive bouquet of dried violet flowers and a hint of dried mint. On the palate, the spicy character of baking chocolate and fennel seed is balanced by an abundance of ripe red berry fruit - notes of strawberries and balsamic, raspberries, fresh mint and dried tobacco. The wine is richly structured, but a stylistic shift in the younger vintages of Barbaresco makes this wine immediately drinkable." Decanter

"Bright ruby-garnet colour, sparkling. Extremely fragrant nose of peach and pomegranate, then fresh plum, appears extremely fresh. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, opens up with elegant, polished tannins, fine raspberry notes, lingers for a very long time." Falstaff

Rabaja and Asili are probably the most famous vineyards in Barbaresco. Medium, delicately fragrant nose of rose petals, cherries and blue flowers, with restrained ethereal herbal notes. Powerful and compact on the palate, with a well-proportioned cornucopia of black fruits such as blackberries and cassis, plus some liquorice. As the wine progresses, its power and a certain pressure become apparent, but it never comes across as wild or ostentatious, instead always reflecting the elegance of the vineyard and the typical Giacosa ageing in large oak. Impressive flavour and length! SUPERIORE.DE

"Pungent nose. And very fine and fresh. The fruit literally jumps out of the glass. Normally rather powerful, but the 2020 has great finesse. Long!" Jancis Robinson

"Wow. The purity of fruit and sophistication is out of this world. Peaches, strawberries, bright plums and berries. Full-bodied yet compacted. The tannin structure is there but you don’t see it. It’s tight and resolved with perfect balance and length. A masterpiece. So emotional to taste this." James Suckling

Bright garnet red. Despite advanced maturity, the nose appears youthful, compact and closed. Dark earth, stony notes, a cool scent reminiscent of iron and graphite, some bacon, tar and wood smoke. Its fruit moves completely on the dark side, small blueberries, blackthorn, dried cranberries and dark plum puree. Extreme depth already in the nose. On the palate, a lot of freshness with the right dose of acidity and a still youthful tannin structure. A great, exciting drop, a monument of power that conceals incredible elegance and facets. Those who can wait have a clear advantage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby garnet. Exciting and multi-layered nose, of raspberries, strawberries and rosewood, in the background some cinchona bark and dried orange peel. The palate also shows considerable density, rich tannin with fine meshes at the core, built up in many layers, ripe plums, discreet leather notes in the aftertaste". Falstaff

"The 2008 Barbaresco Crichet Pajé is a gorgeous, translucent wine that shows this cool, late-ripening vintage at its best. Sweet red cherry, mint, kirsch, hard candy and white pepper are all beautifully delineated. In many vintages, Crichet Pajé was massively tannic and forbidding. The 2008 is the most refined vintage of this wine I have ever tasted." Antonio Galloni

"Transparent ruby red with a chimney red fading rim. Spicy notes of cloves, allspice, mace and pepper mingle with cherries, bay and raspberry jelly, currant leaves and floral top notes of orange blossom complete the delight. On the palate, Crichët Pajé presents itself with great calm in a steady flow. Nothing is brash or exuberant here, but shines with distinguished elegance - an equilibrium in perfect balance. The aromatically exuberant nose is disciplined on the palate by the long, calm flow of focused, cool acidity, on whose shores fully ripe and fine-grained tannins entwine. Silky with an almost aristocratic nobility, its enormous complexity is revealed in the second sip when the flavors begin to unravel in the epic finish like a massive Win-Zip file. A wine for today, for tomorrow and for many, many more years to come. Undisputedly world class." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"Made with extremely old vines, the youngest of which are over 60 years old and most much older, this opens with aromas of new leather, scorched earth, underbrush and balsamic notes of camphor. Concentrated and boasting a great depth of flavors, the structured, full-bodied palate delivers raspberry compote, dried black cherry, carob and hazelnut alongside firm, enveloping tannins. Another compelling wine from the estate." Wine Enthusiast

"This red is full of mulled plum, cherry, menthol, stone and spice flavors. Concentrated yet fluid, with a tightly packed finish. Well-balanced and approachable now if decanted." Wine Spectator

"It's easy to fall into the cult of Crichët Pajé. The wine's name means "little hill" in Piemontese dialect, and the winemaking process is carefully weighed and contemplated. The Roagna 2011 Barbaresco Crichët Pajé is fermented with indigenous yeasts, with submerged cap and sees eight long years of aging in both oak and cement. Fruit is drawn from a half-hectare, south-facing parcel high on the Pajé slope that has been farmed by this family since 1953. The bouquet reveals wild berry fruit, rose hip, cedar, crushed stone, smoke and licorice. This expression is lightweight in texture, yet it expertly balances a full load of aromas and flavors on that small frame. The heat of the vintage has not hurt the freshness or the sharpness that you perceive here." Wine Advocate

"Just bottled, the 2011 Barbaresco Crichët Pajè is unbelievably refined. Sweet red cherry, rosewater, mint, dried flowers, pine and kirsch give the 2011 an upper register of perfume that is utterly beguiling. Silky and classy to the core, the 2011 is the most sensual Crichët Pajè I can remember tasting. There is plenty of tannin, that is clear, but it is also pretty much buried by the sheer luxuriousness of the fruit. This is such a gorgeous and complete wine. There is just an unreal amount of freshness for this dry, torrid year. Wow!!" Vinous

"Transparent ruby red with a crimson rim. Spicy notes of cloves, allspice, mace and pepper mingle with cherries, laurel and raspberry jelly, currant leaves and floral top notes of orange blossom complete the delight. On the palate, Crichët Pajé presents itself with great calm in a steady flow. Nothing is cheeky or exuberant here, but shines with distinguished elegance - an equilibrium in perfect balance. The aromatically exuberant nose is disciplined on the palate by the long, calm flow of the focussed, cool acidity, on whose shores fully ripe and fine-grained tannins entwine. Silky with an almost aristocratic nobility, its enormous complexity is revealed in the second sip, when the flavours begin to unfold in the epic finish like a massive Win-Zip file. A wine for today, for tomorrow and for many, many years to come. Undisputed world class." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"The 2012 Barbaresco Crichët Pajè is tight and not especially expressive today. In this vintage, the Crichët Pajè is a bit more floral and lighter in structure than it can be. Imagine Burgundy with Nebbiolo acids and tannins. Among other things, that means the 2012 will drink well with minimal cellaring, in relative terms for this bottling. Despite its reticence, the 2012 is also restrained and so nuanced. I can't wait to see how it develops in bottle." Vinous

"The 2012 Barbaresco Crichët Pajé is a beauty, and I am delighted to see that this hot and dry vintage has held up so well. These results are outstanding, as the wine continues to showcase tight berry nuances and an extra sharp level of primary fruit and general focus. This is a cult wine for collectors, and what they seek in this bottle is the deft hand of Roagna, especially when it comes to crafting a wine of important Piedmont culture and tradition. To the palate, you taste ripe cherry and dried raspberry, along with iron ore and camphor ash. This is an impressive bottle." Wine Advocate

"Camphor, truffle, wild berry and new leather are just some of the aromas you'll encounter on this riveting red. The enveloping, delicious palate shows both power and finesse, featuring dried cherry, pomegranate, star anise and tobacco framed in noble tannins. Surprisingly bright acidity for the warm vintage lends balance and even more intensity." Wine Enthusiast