2015 - Barbaresco Montestefano, Ca' Nova

The 2015 Barbaresco Montestefano fleshes out in all dimensions, as it does in all the best years. Warm, rich and inviting, the 2015 is a wine of pure and total pleasure. Black cherry, plum, sage, lavender, menthol, licorice and spice take on exotic shades of expression. All things considered, the 2015 falls just a bit short of being thrilling. In exchange, though, readers will find a Barbaresco that will drink well with minimal cellaring. What a gorgeous wine this is.

Pale garnet. Earthy and ethereal. Slight toffee note. Black-cherry fruit. There's a cornflour quality to the tannins, and a warm finish. The fruit is drying out – better to drink sooner than later. (RH)