Produttori del Barbaresco Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano Riserva Barbaresco 2019 750ml

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! (Antonio Galloni)

The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is a dense, hulking wine. Powerful and dense to the core, the Montestefano is a big, broad-shouldered wine that is going to need a few years to be at its most expressive. Dark-toned fruit, new leather, spice, menthol are all amplified in this potent Barbaresco.

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. 1,358 cases made, 350 cases imported. (Bruce Sanderson)

Black currant, blackberry, violet, tobacco and sweet spices highlight this suave, fruity red. Opulent for the vintage and solidly built, with a long, resonant finish that echoes the fruit and adds iron and mineral notes. Excellent length. Best from 2029 through 2047. 1,500 cases made, 700 cases imported.

Heady aromas that opens with black raspberries, cherry compote, and mixed sweet and savory spices. Subtle floral and herbal notes bolt in to add to the depth of the nose. Broad and rich across the palate with a generous dollop of mixed berry preserves with cracked pepper and dried herbs. The tannins are masterful with a refined nature that calls out the soul of Nebbiolo and shows how well this wine will age. Drink 2027 onward. (Jeff Porter)

The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is perhaps the most complete of the 2019 Riservas at this stage. It offers fine depth, plenty of tannin and nascent emerging inner sweetness to tie it all together. A wine of stature and textural depth, the Montestefano is my early favorite in this lineup. (Antonio Galloni)

Evocative and aromatic, this red features cherry, rose, white pepper, eucalyptus, iron and tobacco flavors. Firmly built, with dense tannins and a savory finish, this is balanced but needs time. Best from 2028 through 2046. 16,666 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.

Restrained if not dull at first. Very minerally nose with peach peel, orange zest, sweet violets and vermouth-like complexity, Firm tannins, a medium body, crisp acidity and an extracted yet classic finish. Drink from 2025, but it has the potential for aging. (James Suckling)

Normally, Produttori del Barbaresco President Aldo Vacca puts Montefico, Rabajà, Muncagota and Montestefano at the end of his flight of Riservas. But in this year's presentation, he put the 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano fourth to last instead of last. This wine is usually the darkest and the most austere in the series. However, the 2020 does not live up to its usual flavor profile. The aromas are quite ripe, even overripe, with prune and raisin. The tannins are soft, leading to a succulent and chewy mouthfeel. My recommendation is to give this wine a shorter drinking window. (Monica Larner)