2005 Barbaresco Montestefano
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Tasting notes
The 2005 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is another highlight in this range. Once again, balance is the key. The 2005 is not a profound wine, but all the elements fall into place as this big, broad-shouldered Barbaresco shows off its irrepressible and unique personality. Sweet dark cherry, plum, new leather, tobacco, spice and menthol build to the rich, layered finish.
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good deep red. Pure but restrained nose hints at vanilla and white truffle. Then minerally and deep in the mouth, displaying less obvious breadth and sweetness than the Montefico but already revealing lovely inner-palate energy and aromatic quality. Most impressive today on the juicy, mounting back end, which features broad, sweet tannins that reach the front teeth. This needs, and will reward, at least several years of aging.
The 2005 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano reveals a seamless core of sweet roses, ripe, juicy raspberries and spices, all of which come together in a round, sensual expression of Nebbiolo. In 2005 the Montestefano possesses terrific freshness, detail and vibrancy. Licorice, leather and anise linger on the sublime finish. The Montestefano is one of the highlights among these Riservas.
The 2005 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano reveals a seamless core of sweet roses, ripe, juicy raspberries and spices, all of which come together in a round, sensual expression of Nebbiolo. In 2005 the Montestefano possesses terrific freshness, detail and vibrancy. Licorice, leather and anise linger on the sublime finish. The Montestefano is one of the highlights among these Riservas. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. The Produttori del Barbaresco have another set of wonderful wines on their hands with these new releases. The Produttori have long made delicious, ageworthy Barbarescos, but in the last few years the overall level of quality and consistency has gone up several notches. Best of all, prices have remained exceedingly fair. The 2005 Riservas are worthy successors to the magical 2004s. The 2005 have more overt fruit than the 2004s but lack the explosive, layered quality that defines so many of the wines of that magical harvest. Still, these fine, traditionally built Barbarescos deserve serious attention. The estate’s fans will be delighted to learn that Riservas are planned for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 vintages. Readers who want to learn more about the Produttori may want to revisit my article on www.erobertparker.com for notes on a number of the estate’s legendary, benchmark wines. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200
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.