2013 Produttori del Barbaresco, Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmonte, Italy.
It’s hard not to love this pretty and open 100% Nebbiolo with it’s lovely bright ruby color and expressive strawberry fruit essences, it’s not a blockbuster, but oh so good from start to finish, and it’s a wonderful value for pure Barbraresco, classy, delicate and lingering. Light minty herbs, floral notes, pipe tobacco, cranberry and racy ripe red fruits lead the way, showing the mentioned strawberry, candied cherry, tangy plum, creme de violette and subtle fig along with anise, saline infused stones and a touch of alluring earthiness. The palate fills out nicely, but stays vibrant, fresh and elegant throughout with lingering flinty spices, dried rose petal, iodine/savory elements and black currents. One of Piedmonte’s best co-ops, Produttori del Barbaresco used big neutral Slavonian oak casks to raise this little beauty, 24 months before bottling, and the acidity and tannins have now, as of July 2017, a smooth and round texture that adds to the pleasure of the fruit. Drink now through 2026, it will also be a joy with rustic cuisine and family style meals.
($35 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive

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