2021 Mura Mura Barbaresco Starderi, Piedmont

Brooding and ambitious with balsamic complexity, showing eucalyptus, strawberries, dark fruit and dried flowers. Medium-bodied and savory, with crisp acidity. Despite the wine’s sternness, the firm, dusty, classic tannins show good development on the palate. Long finish. Drink or hold.

92 points James Suckling

Starderi is one of Barbaresco's most celebrated crus, a vineyard prized for producing Nebbiolo of power, depth and remarkable complexity. Situated in the commune of Neive, its limestone rich soils and excellent exposure consistently deliver wines that balance concentration with elegance. Mura Mura has quickly established a reputation for meticulous vineyard management and a strong focus on expressing the unique character of its sites, with Starderi standing among the estate's most compelling releases.

The 2021 vintage is already regarded as one of Piedmont's finest in recent years, combining superb fruit concentration with freshness and structure. Careful farming and low yields have produced fruit of exceptional quality, while thoughtful winemaking preserves the vineyard's distinctive personality. The result is a Barbaresco that captures both the grandeur of the site and the purity of Nebbiolo.

Bright garnet red in colour, the bouquet is intensely aromatic, revealing layers of rose petal, red cherry and wild strawberry intertwined with notes of blood orange, violet and sweet spice. As the wine opens, hints of truffle, anise, tobacco leaf and forest floor emerge, adding impressive complexity. The palate is powerful yet beautifully refined, delivering concentrated red berry fruits, savoury earthiness and mineral detail supported by silky tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is exceptionally long and persistent, lingering with floral notes, spice and classic Nebbiolo character.

This is a magnificent wine for white truffle risotto, braised beef cheeks, duck ragù, porcini mushroom pasta or aged Parmigiano Reggiano. While already captivating with a generous decant, it possesses the balance and structure to evolve gracefully for two decades or more.