1999 Barbaresco Montestefano Riserva
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Tasting notes
One of the more evolved wines in the range, the 1999 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano has never really blossomed in bottle, although it has held at a fairly stable plateau of near full maturity for a number of years. Cedar, smoke, earthiness and mushrooms open up in the glass. As has often been the case with the Montestefano, the aromatics are more forward and oxidative than the palate suggests. I can see the 1999 holding well for at least a few more years based on its density and tannin structure, although there is little to indicate the wine will improve from here.
Critic scores
Average Score
Daniel Thomases, Wine Advocate
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 1999 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano, with a plum, and mineral nose, is the most solid and dense of the group, powerful and focused in character, shapely and intense right through to its long finish. Drink: 2005-2017. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200
Deep dark ruby. Displays penetrating aromas of tar, beef broth on the somewhat evolved, balsamic nose. This masculine Barbaresco shows good immediacty in a soft, round palate of dense, dark fruit flavors, although the finish is a bit short. Montestefano is often referred to as the most “Barolo-like” of the Barbarescos, but the 1999 is a very accessible wine. Although the Montestefano is pretty, my overall impression is that it is also relatively simple.
Good medium red. High-pitched, vibrant aromas of red berries and nutty oak. Sweet and plump but fresh, with nicely integrated acidity framing the berry and marzipan flavors. Very suave and showy today. Finishes with very fine tannins and noteworthy persistence.
About the producer
Produttori del Barbaresco is one of the world’s finest wine cooperatives, famed for crafting beautiful wines at very reasonable prices. With a heritage dating back over five decades, it rivals Piedmont’s top estates and is celebrated for producing truly magnificent Nebbiolo.