Critics Ratings

Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello Riserva 2015

‘An opulent and complex version, boasting cherry, strawberry, cut hay, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. Firms up nicely on the finish, with terrific balance and length. Shows both a fruity and a savory side, with fine potential to age. Best from 2023 through 2045. - Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, 96/100 (Nov 2020)

‘The Produttori del Barbaresco 2015 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello has a very distinct character that is expressed in terms of its fine but present tannic structure and its somewhat fragile primary fruit. The Ovello dives straight into those ephemeral Nebbiolo aromas with an emphasis on licorice, tar, blue flower and campfire ash. If you consider this timeline of Riservas, this wine brings us through that magic threshold in which Nebbiolo starts to show its unique aromatic appeal and mystique. This is always one of my favorites in this series of nine.’ - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, 96/100 (Jul 2020)

Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo Riserva 2015

‘This is lush and harmonious, laced with cherry, plum, licorice, iron and eucalyptus aromas and flavors. There is also a verticality here, with lively acidity and dense, well-mannered tannins creating support and depth. A saline note graces the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2045.’ -  Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, 95/100 (Nov 2020)

‘This wine usually falls somewhere in the middle of the Riserva continuum (starting with the most lithe and elegant wine and ending with the most powerful) presented by Produttori del Barbaresco in this knockout series of nine single-vineyard expressions. The 2015 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is another personal favorite. This group of Ovello, Rio Sordo, Asili and Rabajà (that sweet spot of neighboring vineyard sites in Barbaresco) is especially profound in 2015, striking a careful balance between elegance against power. The Rio Sordo offers tight and sharp fruit complete with a little tannic pinch or crunch on the close.’ - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, 96+/100 (Jul 2020)

Produttori del Barbaresco Rabajà Riserva 2015

‘Though rich, this red offers bright acidity and dense tannins that lend a sense of tightness, with pure cherry, strawberry and floral flavors that are persistent from start to lingering finish, where distinct spice and mineral elements play out. Best from 2023 through 2045.’ - Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, 97/100 (Nov 2020)

‘The Produttori del Barbaresco 2015 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is a stunning wine. The aromas rise from the glass with purpose, clarity and extreme definition. This is indeed a very special wine, thanks to the direct and linear quality of fruit and the elegant tannins that build the long finish. The Nebbiolo grape is elevated to a beautiful plain or plateau, where it shows off its naked beauty in a clear and unobstructed manner. The wine affords us a panoramic view of the Piedmont grape, planted in the white tuffaceous marl soils of Rabajà.’ - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, 97/100 (Jul 2020)

Produttori del Barbaresco Muncagota Riserva 2015

‘On the lean side for 2015, with wild herb accents to the core of cherry and plum flavors, this is fluid and bright, with a line of tannins building on the finish. This expands nicely, filling out and lingering. Best from 2023 through 2038.’ - Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Nov 2020)

‘The Produttori del Barbaresco 2015 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota shows beautifully in this sunny and warm vintage, producing intense and compelling primary fruit with wild cherry, plum and black currant. Compared to the other Riservas, the fruit profile of Muncagota is darker and richer. More significant is the role the tannins play in this wine. They contribute to a long and firm spinal cord that gives structure and muscle mass.’ - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, 95/100 (Jul 2020)

Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico Riserva 2015

‘Savory notes of salty licorice and eucalyptus combine with cherry, plum and tar flavors in this beefy red, which is broad, maintaining a sense of freshness, with ripe tannins that are well-integrated and balanced. The savory note echoes on the finish. Best from 2023 through 2045.’ - Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, 94/100 (Nov 2020)

‘The Produttori del Barbaresco 2015 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico boasts a solid center of gravity with dark fruit, plum, spice and spent embers. Everything about this wine is sultry, velvety and succulent. It goes to follow that the wine's structure is more pronounced, contoured and shapely. This Riserva delivers more sheer fruit weight (in the context of the always elegant Nebbiolo grape) that is carried with grace and poise throughout.’ - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, 95/100 (Jul 2020)

Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano Riserva 2015

‘This is supple and expressive, featuring strawberry, cherry, floral and freshly cut hay flavors on an elegant frame, undergirded by a stiff backbone of tannins, with racy acidity and a finish that melds the ripe fruity component with the structure. Tar, tobacco and licorice accents linger. Best from 2023 through 2045.’ - Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, 94/100 (Nov 2020)

‘This is the last wine I tasted in this group of nine from Produttori del Barbaresco. The reason I placed the 2015 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano last is because it is usually considered to be the most powerful and determined in the flight. However, when you really get down to it, this vintage is more tight, streamlined and ethereal than expected. It is saving the best for later, and indeed, the wine is poised to evolve and open fully many years from now. There is a note of shyness here or restraint. Exactly 16,036 bottles were made, and this Riserva demands patience.’ - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, 94/100 (Jul 2020)

Provenance

Wine Cellar