2014 Barbaresco - Ricossa Antica Casa

Tart red cherry, dry leaves, wild raspberry. Raw cranberry, blooming rose, fragrant orange zest. Thyme sprig and crushed rosemary, broken-in leather and cooled tar. Spiced strawberry, flower petal, and sour plum lead a delicate yet aromatic attack bursting with fresh red fruit and florals that barely overpower autumnal forest floor and iron-rich earth. Oregano and leafy herbs make their presence felt aided by coriander, cardamom, and the impression of broken sticks. Limestone-laden minerality appears and leaves a gorgeously chalky texture on the palate that offsets lifted fruit with just the right amount of classic rusticity. Tart, juicy, and still largely primary in character; showing only hints of developmental complexity. Medium in body with high tannin and acidity. This 2014 Barbaresco by Ricossa Antica Casa is a well made and wonderfully serious Nebbiolo from one of Piedmont's most famous villages.

Located in the heart of the region of Piedmont in Northwestern Italy, the village of Barbaresco is considered one of the greatest places in the world to farm the noble Nebbiolo grape. This bottling, crafted by Ricossa Antica Casa using Nebbiolo grown in Barbaresco, is an excellent representation of what makes this grape and place so magical. As soon as the cork is popped lifted and aromatic fruit sensually wafts out with remarkably haunting perfume - one that promises to continue to improve and mature with more bottle age. As textbook as Nebbiolo comes this wine contains impressive structure and energy that although assertive is already quite enjoyable to drink. This is a fantastic representation of quality Barbaresco that's modest price tag makes it all the more compelling.