2001 Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo, Piedmont

91 pts Antonio Galloni

'As good as the 2003 Barbaresco is, the highlight among the estate's current and upcoming releases must surely be the 2001 Barbaresco Riservas. Bottled in July 2005, they should be available in early 2007. In brief, this is the most consistently outstanding set of Riservas I have ever tasted from the Produttori. Readers will have much fun debating the qualities of the various bottlings, but one thing is certain. Unlike other previous vintages all of these wines merit close attention in 2001. Managing Director Aldo Vacca, the co-operative members and the winery's staff deserve a hearty congratulation for this superb set of releases. The 2001 Barbaresco Riservas are all deeply colored wines with plenty of structure to reward cellaring. The Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo presents a delicate nose with suggestions of flowers and spices. It is a medium-bodied effort showing beautifully nuanced layers of sweet red fruit, menthol and licorice with excellent length, purity and plenty of underlying structure as well as freshness. It should be one of the first of these Riservas to reach maturity.' Last tasted Oct 2006; Drink now.