2014 Barbaresco Masseria

The 2014 Barbaresco Masseria is superb. Dark, ample and structured, the 2014 captures all the pedigree of this important Barbaresco vintage. As always, the Vietti's Masseria is a wine that has Barolo-like structure and depth, partly because it is vinified and aged pretty much along the same lines as those wines. I expect the 2014 will require at least a handful of years to shed some tannin and start showing some of its inherent inner sweetness. There is so much to look forward to. Bright acids and a firm spine of tannin give the red-toned fruit energy and vivacity throughout.

Call it the 2014 paradox: this controversial vintage has in fact produced some stellar wines, especially in the Barbaresco appellation. The 2014 Barbaresco Masseria is a softly textured wine with a yielding and velvety personality. It reveals a dark color and hearty disposition. It is generous and soft, requiring little cellar aging before it reaches its drinking prime. The 2014 vintage was hotter and saw less rain in Barbaresco compared to Barolo. Sandy soils in the Barbaresco appellation help to shape delicate and nuanced wines with bright floral and dark fruit aromas. Sandy soils dry out faster in the hot years because they drain any existing moisture too well. That's why a cooler and wetter vintage like 2014 is particularly well suited to Nebbiolo in Barbaresco. Jun 2018, www.robertparker.com