2016 Barbaresco, Montestefano, Riserva, Produttori del Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy

This is usually the last wine in this series of nine, representing the most powerful and concentrated side of the Nebbiolo spectrum as interpreted by Produttori del Barbaresco. The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano (with 12,516 bottles released) is rich and darkly saturated, with a plush and opulent bouquet that is redolent of red berry, dried raspberry and candied orange peel. This is a blend of fruit from vineyards owned by the Gonella, Maffei, Marcarino, Rivella, Rocca and Vacca families. You feel the density of the wine on the palate, thanks to firm tannins and lots of extra fruit weight and texture. Despite that extra muscle (and the usual 15% alcohol content), Montestefano also shows a soft and especially enriched personality.Drink 2024 - 2055monica_larner, Wine Advocate (June 2021)

Subtle and complex aromas of dried fruit, fresh plums, kerosene, dried flowers and pencil. Racy and vibrant with intense, pulsating acidity and tightrope tannins. It shows complexity and a long finish. A wine to decant or cellar. Delicious. Nominated by Michaela Morris.Drink 2023 - 2050Vincenzo Arnese, Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW, Amanda Barnes, Decanter.com (December 2022)

The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is another profound wine in this lineup. There is virtually no perception of tannin, as the fruit is so rich and so voluptuous. Dark cherry/plum fruit, spice, menthol, liquorice and a whole range of balsamic inflexions grow as the Montestefano shows off its class. This profound Barbaresco will thrill readers for years to come.Drink 2024 - 2041antonio_galloni, Vinous.com.com (October 2020)