2010 - Barbaresco Montefico Vecchie Viti, Roagna

The 2010 Barbaresco Montefico Vecchie Viti captures a gorgeous stylistic middle ground at Roagna, with plenty of mid-palate sweetness allied to explosive energy. Beautifully complete throughout, the 2010 has it all. Tasted next to the Asili, the Montefico is dark, powerful and virile, with more overall depth and tannin, but less immediacy and sexiness. In other words, this is a classic wine from Montefico. Sweet red cherry, plum, game, licorice, chalk and wild herbs are laced into the vertical, structured finish. There is more than enough depth to allow the 2010 to drink well for a number of years.

Mid ruby with bright orange rim. Brooding and much more closed than either the Asili or the Pajé Vecchie Viti and with brooding power and concentration underneath. Wonderful balance between muscular, slightly dry tannins, multi-layered fruit and integrated acidity. A tiny bit exotic, as I have come to expect of Roagna. Wait. (WS)