La Ca' Nova's 2012 Barbaresco Montestefano is a reference-point wine for this site in the town of Barbaresco. Creamy, ample and dense through the middle, the 2012 possesses striking depth and fabulous overall balance. The aromatics develop with time in the glass, but the Montestefano is mostly a wine of texture. Succulent red cherry, plum and pomegranate overtones build into the voluptuous, layered finish. The 2012 drinks well now, but also has the structure to age at least into the medium-term. This is another superb wine from Marco Rocca and one of the highlights of the vintage. (AG)