2013 Barbaresco Rio Sordo Riserva Produttori del Barbaresco

The delightful 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is fourth on a scale of nine wines in terms of growing structure and power. This is the middle-point wine. You will immediately notice that the texture of this single-vineyard expression is increasingly thicker and pastier. The bouquet delivers opulent tones of blackberry and ripe cherry in thick and succulent waves. Yet, like the Pora, Pajè and Ovello expressions, the Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is also a more accessible wine. You can save it for longer cellar aging, but you could also opt to serve it in the near or medium term. It offers both immediate pleasure and long-term potential. 2020-2045.

The 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is one of the more gracious, approachable wines in this range. Medium in body, yet deep and beautifully resonant, the 2013 has so much to offer. It should open up a bit earlier than most of the other 2013s in the range. Succulent dark cherry, plum, tobacco, mint, licorice and lavender grace the effortless finish. 2021 - 2043.

Enticing scents of wild berry, rose, baking spice and balsamic aromas come together in the glass. Juicy yet full in body, the flavorsome palate shows succulent Morello cherry, cranberry, licorice and ground white pepper alongside a backbone of vibrant acidity and firm, polished tannins. It's already exceptional, but will benefit from more aging. Drink 2020-2038.

Enticing scents of wild berry, rose, baking spice and balsamic aromas come together in the glass. Juicy yet full in body, the flavorsome palate shows succulent Morello cherry, cranberry, licorice and ground white pepper alongside a backbone of vibrant acidity and firm, polished tannins. It's already exceptional, but will benefit from more aging. Drink 2020-2038.

This is supple and full of cherry and berry flavors, focused by vibrant acidity. Firm tannins follow up, yet this remains elegant and really stretches out on the long aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2036.-B.S.