MAGNUM 1.5 Liter Bottle
Drink: 2030 - 2050
97 Points Vinous
The 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is one of the most elegant, polished wines in this range. Bright red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, mint and cedar are beautifully lifted. The tannins are remarkably polished for a young, recently bottled Riserva. I admire its poise and elegance. This is an especially refined edition of the Montestefano. In 2020, the mix of vineyards is a bit younger than in the past, as one of the blocks of older vineyards was replanted and not used. If I could have only one of the Riservas in 2020, this would be it!
97 Points Kerin O'Keefe
The 2020 Produttori Montestefano Riserva is absolutely gorgeous, boasting aromas of violet, forest floor, red-skinned fruit and new leather. On the palate, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity support raspberry compote, red cherry, white pepper and star anise. This has a slightly more delicate tannic structure compared to previous vintages that’s not only a feature of the vintage but also due to the fact that a parcel of fifty-year-old vines had to be replanted, meaning the average age of the vines for the 2020 vintage is 35-40 years old.
96 Points Wine Spectator
A haunting aroma of rose leads off, underscored with raspberry, cherry, white pepper and mineral flavors. This red is elegant and firmly structured, with refined tannins and vibrant acidity driving the resonant finish. The white pepper note returns on the aftertaste. Shows superb balance and length. Best from 2028 through 2045.
Winemaker Notes
Nicknamed the Barolo of Barbaresco, the vineyards of Montestefano are known for producing rich, powerful Nebbiolo. Situated just a few hundred metres south of the equally-famous Montefico vineyard, Montestefano’s southern exposure provide sunlight for the grapes to ripen, while the steep calcareous limestone slopes drain well. These conditions ensure good harvests even in wet vintages. Sheltered from the northern winds, Montestefano’s microclimate is relatively warm, so its Nebbiolo develops a ripe, full profile.
The Montestefano Riserva shows how great terroir and winemaking can come together to allow Nebbiolo to express its potential in the glass. Hand-picked grapes were macerated for 28 days, then aged in large oak botti for 36 months. The wine spent a further 12 months in bottle where it developed intense flavours of red fruit, spice, leather, tobacco, and dried rose. It’s a full-bodied wine with silky tannins and a long finish.
