Valfieri Bric Mentina Barbaresco

The 2004 vintage was spectacular in Piedmont, resulting in well-balanced, quality reds on every price level. The Valfieiri Bric Mentina is a terrific introduction to Nebbiolo at an affordable price — richly textured, with dense layers of earth and spice, overlaid with sour cherry and currant fruit. Although approachable in its youth, this is a wine with great aging potential, and will continue to evolve for at least a decade. Great buy.

A spectacular vintage in Piedmont; many of the 2004 Barbarescos that are currently being released are capable of aging 20 years or more! But for those of us who just can’t wait, the Valfieri is ready to drink now (though it, too will drink well for years to come if you should decide to hang on to it), with a complex bouquet and palate full of earth, roses, cherry and spice notes. An ideal pairing would be with a mushroom risotto, but also try with roast pork, portabella burgers, or beef and grilled vegetable dishes.