2015 Albino Rocca Barbaresco Vigneto Ronchi, Piedmont

This famous, limestone-rich, Barbaresco cru runs along the southern belt of the appellation, near the town itself. The Rocca cellars are located just above this southeast-facing vineyard, one of the reasons the site has become synonymous with the name Albino Rocca. The Ronchi is also the oldest and largest holding of the Estate, extending to almost six hectares (three in Nebbiolo)—roughly a third of the total area of the cru. The Rocca’s Nebbiolo vines here are now aged between 50 and 70 years and the wines they are producing is something to behold. The quality makes sense—this is a vineyard that offers an ideal combination of vine age, deep clay and limestone soils and superb exposure (all southeast). It’s no surprise that it consistently produces some of the greatest wines of Barbaresco; wildly aromatic wines, rich in complexity and structure. Galloni takes the words right out of my mouth, and it’s arguably the finest of Rocca’s 2015 Barbarescos. A classy Ronchi, it's fresh and fluid—with powdery blue fruit, fresh plum, lavender notes with a drizzle of fragrant, Leatherbox honey—there’s refined tannins and plenty of charisma and lift on the long, cool finish.

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‘The 2015 Barbaresco Ronchi is gorgeous. The richness of the vintage marries very well with the personality of the site, which results in an ample, powerful wine of real character. Bright red cherry, mint, chalk and floral overtones abound. The tannins need time to soften, but that should not be an issue here. This is an impeccable wine from the Rocca family.’ 

93 points Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, October 2018

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This comes from vines aged between 50-70 years old, planted on mineral-rich limestone and clay soils. The nose is dense for Barbaresco, with cherry and raspberry aromas leading onto a fresh attack, which is livelier than the nose suggests. Fine acidity lifts the mid-palate. Concentrated, spicy, and elegant, this shows fine length. Drinking Window 2020 - 2032

93 points Decanter.com

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Aromas of blueberries and hot stones follow through to a full body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh and vivid finish with lovely chocolate and hazelnuts. Clean and refined throughout. Drink or hold.

94 points James Suckling

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