Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Barba – i Vasari “Old Vines” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC – 2022
Abruzzo, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
From one of Abruzzo’s most respected family producers, the Barba i Vasari Old Vines embodies the soulful depth of mature Montepulciano vineyards. Crafted from low-yielding old vines rooted in clay-limestone soils, this DOC wine bridges intensity and elegance, a fine showcase of what Abruzzo can achieve when tradition meets restraint.

Aromas & Flavors
Dark cherries, black plum, and crushed violets lead the way, followed by nuances of black pepper, cocoa, and a touch of sweet tobacco. Hints of dried herbs and vanilla complete the aromatic frame.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied, silky in texture yet structured with supple tannins. There’s a satisfying balance between ripe dark fruit and savory spice, culminating in a long, refined finish.

Food Pairings
Perfect with lasagna alla bolognese, grilled lamb chops, wild mushroom risotto, or aged pecorino.

Verdict
A beautiful expression of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, intense yet approachable, generous but never overbearing. Old vines deliver concentration and charm in equal measure. Cheers!

Did You Know?
The “i Vasari” vineyards trace their origins to the 1700s and sit near Pescara, between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennines. This position brings cool coastal breezes that preserve acidity even in warmer years.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A deliciously balanced Montepulciano that delivers both depth and drinkability. A genuine Italian gem I’d pour confidently for any gathering of Italian wine lovers. — 3 months ago

Mike Saviage

9.2

Night two at Bern’s. We’re going for some incremental age tonight. Chosen for its good color, despite a low fill. Reddish tawny color, a bit cloudy, and has a high pitched nose at first. Notes of red fruit, cedar and cranberries initially. With more air, the nose settles down to show more Bordeaux character including dusty earth, wood desk and gravel stone. This blossomed after 30 or so minutes, then began to decline. At peak it had a 95 point nose. Overall it was a great experience. — 3 years ago

Bill Mowry

9.1

Leather, tobacco, black and red fruit. Low alcohol and easy drinking. — 4 years ago

with Amelia and Lou

Tom Casagrande

9.3

Delicious and drinking beautifully right now. Nose is a beautiful amalgam of dark red fruit and classic Mourvèdre tree bark, along with dry loamy scents. Deep and rich in the mouth, but the balance is impeccable. Loads of very soft tannin cling the flavors to the mouth. Acids are medium low but enough to balance. Very nice. — 8 months ago

Paul J

9.0

Short decant. Amazed at the quality after seeing an almost black cork and a very low fill level. Wouldn’t be craving a glass, but for a wine this old it was consumable with a few in the party really enjoying it. Garnet, almost brown in color. Leather and stewed fruit dominate. — 2 years ago

with Steve and Brooke

Douglas Braun

8.9

2019 Vintage -surprisingly good for a $16 /wine earthy berry fruit , holiday spice (nutmeg, clove) medium low tannins — 3 years ago

Tom Garland

9.0

Pop and pour a glass (decanted remaining for sediment). An arresting medium tawny color. On the nose: delicate perfumed nose of red fruit, funky barnyard, herbaceous, wet soil, worn leather. Taste: a smooth, slightly creamy, silky wine with dried red plum/prunes, earth, baking spice, old leather, cigar ash, and dried herbs with a quick medium finish. What a treat to try this 75 year old 5th growth that is still just hanging on for dear life! WOW! — a year ago

with Brenda

Clay Atwood

9.0

Definitely a cab with good tannins. Nose of plum and leather. Dry forward flavors with a little tartness. Middle flavors are tart cherries with nice tannins. A bit lacking in the after flavors leaving me hanging a bit. Overall a good wine but could have a little fruit in the front/ middle flavors and more lingering flavor in the end. — 2 years ago

Jayna Fontenot

9.8

Orange-pink color and has a delicate scent of flowers and red fruit. Soft, floral, low acid, minerals, and a nice finish. Love love love. Possibly my favorite rosé this year. — 3 years ago

Colin Cahoon

9.3

Very floral nose of rose, lavender, and honeysuckle. The palate features more floral notes (rose water and lavender), honey, lemon, pear nectar, Asian pear, quince, gunpowder, minerals, and star fruit. Medium low alcohol and high acid. So much going on. — 4 years ago

with Susan