Castello di Neive Santo Stefano Barbaresco

The 2007 Barbaresco Albesani Santo shows the weight and richness that is typical of this south-facing site in Neive. A rich fabric of dark fruit, fresh roses, new leather and menthol completely cover the palate. The Santo Stefano is impeccable in its generous, enveloping fruit. The intensity and sheer depth of the fruit manages to virtually bury the tannins, but they are there. As delicious as this is today, it will be even better in a few years’ time. Anticipated maturity: 2015–2027.

You’ll absolutely love this wine. Barbaresco Santo Stefano offers intensity, harmony and imparts delicious aromas of sweet spice, wild berries, licorice, tar and light touches of smoke or graphite. It boasts a smooth, rich texture with bright acidity on the close. This is a very pure and pristine expression of Nebbiolo that will live long in the cellar.

The 2007 Barbaresco is another of the entry-level wines that shows an unusual level of finesse and balance in this vintage. This mid-weight, feminine Barbaresco flows with the essence of berries, crushed flowers, minerals and spices in a delicate, feminine style. The wine gains volume and depth in the glass, but without abandoning what is a very classic, firm style. Beautifully fragrant throughout, Castello di Neive’s 2007 Barbaresco captures many of the qualities that make Nebbiolo so alluring. A clean, refreshing finish rounds things out nicely. This is fabulous juice. Anticipated maturity: 2012–2022.