Monica Larner writes: Dedicated to the town priest who first grouped 19 growers into a cooperative winery, this is an exciting new wine from Produttori del Barbaresco. From a winery literally located under the shadow of the Barbaresco church tower, the 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Don Fiorino reveals aged tones of dried fruit, earth and licorice. This dynamic co-op winery is best known for the agreeability of its Nebbiolo-based wines, although I feel this wine is a little too far along in terms of its evolution. There is cola, aniseed and dusty licorice root. The wine is drinking beautifully right now and should hold, although I might choose to err on the side of drinking it early, given the quickening pace of its bottle evolution. The winery aging regime see three years in oak casks and three years in bottle. It is a blend of most of the nine cru sites represented by this co-op winery.
James Suckling 98 Points: Incredible aromas of white truffle, meat, wet earth, lightly burnt orange peel and pure fruit. Medium-bodied and very compact, with a block of silky tannins that run through the palate and then come out at the end with a gorgeous texture. It’s very drinkable now, but will age wonderfully. This is a special release. They never made a serious blended riserva in their history. Spring 2023 release. Drink or hold.
Bruce Sanderson: " Rich, broad and spicy, exhibiting plum, cherry, tar, licorice and eucalyptus aromas and flavors. Offers muscle and grace, with intensity and persistence on the long finish. To be released April 2023. Best from 2024 through 2040." - Wine Spectator 95 Points
