2013 Marchesi di Grésy "Martinenga" Barbaresco & Produttori del Barbaresco "Montefico" Barbaresco Riserva Horizontal

“Still young but already boasting extraordinary pedigree, this fantastic wine opens with hallmark scents of wild berry, new leather, chopped herb, tilled soil and a whiff of violet. The polished, full-bodied palate delivers juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and licorice while youthfully assertive, noble tannins and bright acidity provide age-worthy structure. A pipe tobacco note lingers on the finish.” (12/2017)

“I am absolutely impressed by the stunning 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico. The Montefico growing site is very small and only 13,000 bottles are produced as a result. There are just three farmers who tend to this vineyard cru, and because their respective plots are very small, they rely on the Produttori del Barbaresco co-operative model for survival. This wine shows amazing depth and enlarged dimension. Aromas of black fruit, spice, tar and crushed mineral contribute to the considerable volume and power of the wine. That precise and focused mineral definition is outstanding, recalling brimstone and pencil shavings. Montefico can underperform in the hot vintages, but it hits all the high notes in the cooler 2013. (ML) 96+” (06/2018)

“The Barbaresco Riserva Montefico shows all the energy and focus that is typical of this great site, but there is so much depth to the fruit that some of the more angular contours have been softened. Bright saline-infused notes lead to wild flowers and an exotic melange of red fruits in this beautifully delineated, vivid Barbaresco. All the elements are simply in the right place. (AG) 96+” (10/2017)

“This beefy red evokes cherry, licorice, herb, mineral and tobacco aromas and flavors. Rich and densely structured, with iron, tobacco and cherry notes lingering on the long finish. (BS)” (05/2018)

“The 2013 Barbaresco Martinenga is soft, open-knit and gracious, especially for a late-ripening vintage, until a burst of acidity kicks in on the finish. Sweet tobacco, menthol, licorice, macerated cherry and mint are all nicely laced together, but the wine is naturally closed and in need of further cellaring. The 2013 is a typically refined, sensual wine from this site, with high-toned aromatics, pliant fruit and good tannic grip on the finish. This is very nicely done. The 2013 was aged 60% in cask and 40% in French oak barriques. (AG)” (10/2016)

“The 2013 Barbaresco Martinenga is an elegant and feminine wine. It presents a fluid and ever-changing bouquet that appears timid at first, but slowly opens to a much wider and more profound aromatic presentation. Dried flowers and rose hip are followed by balsam herb, tea leaf and crushed mineral. The mouthfeel is streamlined and tight. If you are looking for a Barbaresco with more meat on its bones, look elsewhere. This wine offers finesse and grace. (ML)” (06/2016)

“A mix of spicy oak, peppery cherry and tobacco flavors highlights this firm, leafy red. Tips toward the dry side, with vanilla and black pepper notes lining the gripping finish. (BS)” (04/2017)