First release: Barbaresco 2023

Warm and wonderfully fragrant, with rose and cherry perfume leading to a graceful, finely structured palate. The fruit has a lovely openness in 2023, balanced by fresh acidity and fine nebbiolo tannins. Delicate rather than powerful, this captures the charming, approachable side of the vintage while retaining the elegance expected of Castello di Verduno. Drink from 2027 to 2034. 14.5%

A tighter, more linear expression from Rizzi, with aromas of rose, red apple and iron followed by a distinctive twist of orange pith. Fresh acidity drives the palate, while firm, fine tannins give focus and definition. Less immediately open than the estate's Rizzi bottling, this has lovely tension and should reward a little patience. Drink from 2028 to 2036. 14.5%

Fuller and more structured than Rizzi's other 2023s, Pajorè combines tart red-berry fruit with pronounced mineral and ferrous notes. The palate is firm, angular and slightly rustic at this early stage, with fresh acidity and assertive nebbiolo tannins providing plenty of backbone. A characterful, serious Barbaresco that will benefit from time in bottle. Drink from 2028 to 2039. 14.5%

Made from vineyards including Albesani, Starderi and Serraboella, Massolino's 2023 is tight and wonderfully fragrant, with cherry, fennel, red apple and floral perfume. The palate is fresh and precise, with fine tannins giving shape to the bright red fruit. Elegant and restrained at present, this should open beautifully with a little time in bottle. Drink from 2027 to 2035. 14.5%

From one of Piedmont's great co-operative cellars, whose growers farm exclusively within the Barbaresco denomination, this is a benchmark introduction to the region. The 2023 captures the vintage's fragrant, approachable character, with bright red fruit and floral perfume supported by fresh acidity and fine nebbiolo tannins. Classical, balanced and particularly attractive in this charming vintage. Drink from 2027 to 2034. 14.5%

The 2023 has lovely tart-cherry and redcurrant fruit, with floral perfume and subtle earthy spice. Fine nebbiolo tannins and bright acidity bring freshness and definition to the supple fruit, coupled with a savoury note that develops as the wine opens makes this a lovely introduction to the vintage. Drink from 2027 to 2035. 14.5%

From the warmest, steepest part of Serraboella, Sorì Paitin is one of the estate's historic vineyards. The 2023 is remarkably elegant and accessible, with vibrant cranberry and tart red fruit, a subtle savoury edge and lovely freshness. Juicy and energetic on the palate, with fine-grained tannins providing structure beneath the fragrant fruit. Drink from 2027 to 2038. 14.5%

Sitting at 240-280 meters Roncaglie is one of Barbaresco's historic sites, prized for producing elegant, harmonious nebbiolo. Poderi Colla's classical interpretation combines dark berry and pomegranate fruit with spice, rose and savoury undergrowth. Richer and more enveloping than some 2023s, it nevertheless retains excellent freshness, with smooth tannins and impressive persistence giving this plenty of potential to develop. Drink from 2028 to 2038. 14%

A classical, fresh and bright expression of Barbaresco from the vineyard surrounding the Dellapiana family's winery in Treiso. Fragrant red fruit and floral notes lead to a poised, medium-bodied palate, with lively acidity and fine nebbiolo tannins. Elegant and refreshingly direct, this offers plenty of early appeal while having the balance to develop gracefully. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 14.5%

From Paitin's home vineyard in Neive, Serraboella combines the site's natural power with an elegant texture. The 2023 is beautifully perfumed, with pink and red apple and delicate floral notes. Silky tannins give the palate a wonderfully refined feel, with freshness running through the generous fruit and providing excellent balance and length. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 14.5%

A wonderfully distinctive and fragrant Barbaresco from Faset. Floral and beautifully fresh, with grapefruit skin, salted liquorice and an almost savoury mineral quality. The palate is poised and energetic, with fine tannins and a lovely sweet red berry perfume that persists through the fresh, precise finish. Drink from 2027 to 2036. 14.5%

Drink from 2028 to 2033

A six-bottle case containing one bottle of each of the following:

Barbaresco Poderi, Luigi Einaudi
Barbaresco, Castello di Verduno
Barbaresco Serraboella, Paitin
Barbaresco, Rizzi
Barbaresco, Massolino
Barbaresco Roncaglie, Poderi Colla

Notes PDF