Originally, I only planned to pour the De Forville, the Roccalini and the Paitin but it just didn't seem right to host a Barbaresco class and not have a Produttori in the mix. So, I pulled this from the cellar as a bonus. Boy, am I glad I did. On the pop and pour, this had a striking burnt rubber smell; like from a pencil eraser. This blew off after a few minutes however and became sensational with the most perfect expression of Montmorency cherries, tar, and crushed rock. The 2009 Produttori "Montestefano" is so balanced and yet incredibly powerful. It also remains powerfully tannic. The finish is remarkably long; lasting well over two minutes. This is still very primary and would benefit for continued cellar time. Wow...I love this wine. This will drink well for decades to come. Bottle No. 12202. Bravo! — 3 years ago
Popped and poured; consumed over two days. Best on day two. The 2019 “Ca’ del Buc” pours a slightly glass staining ruby; medium+ viscosity. On the nose, this is funky tart plums and cherries and something reminiscent of an alleyway on a warm day…but in a good way. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Tart dark and red fruits with minerals. Lip smacking finish. This is a rustic Barbera and a killer value with unmistakable Piedmontese sensibilities. I’m grabbing a case. — 3 months ago
Oh my god. Red wine with oomph, how I have missed thee. My 31 year old taste buds thank thee for your powerful musk.
Italian wines smell like my grandfather. He was a Don. Capital D and all. Dark, spiced perfume of hot cinnamon, blackberry compote, cherry pie, a tannery, and black pepper.
Tannins are welcome here. A muted acidity allows the purity of the fruit and the smokey warmth of the baking spices to glow. — 9 months ago
Classically made and beautiful. — 6 years ago
Always a favorite of mine. The 2018 “Loreto” is full of character. The wine pours a deep ruby with translucent core and very slight staining of the tear. On the nose, the wine is redolent of tar and roses with abundant cherry fruit and dried herbs. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with ample structure. However, it comes across quite round relative to the most recent, vintages. Again, some serious cherry fruit with dried herbs and dusty earth. Finish is long and savory. A generous “Loreto” which is expected, given the vintage, but just hits the marks I want from it with aplomb. — 5 months ago
A bit past it’s prime but still very nice. Double decanted. It evolved quite a bit over time. Earth and balsamic at first, then heavy tar, rich dark fruit followed. — 2 years ago
Stone fruits with a nutty finish. A great wine for Macon lovers — 6 years ago
Tart cherries, intense dry woodiness, a bit of a gamey olive-like flavor. Not bad! — 7 years ago
Michael Rebekah
Tasty, eat with fish or charcuterie! — 25 days ago