"The 2021s are marvelously complete wines that offer a captivating mix of energy, structure, depth and plenty of site character." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
To paraphrase Mark Twain's infamous quip about good whiskey, too much great wine is not enough, and we still can't get enough of Barbaresco's epic 2021 vintage. Ever since these wines began to hit the market, they've delivered on the early praise that was heaped on them by critics across the board. There's obviously no shortage of spectacular buys in this vintage, but that breadth of choice can often make selection daunting, so we've hand-picked some of our absolute favorites get you going in this reference-point campaign.
Massolino shines with a pair of superb offerings in their "super-classic" village bottling and their triple 95-point Albesani single cru. Produttori's 2021 village bottling is once again one of the steals of the vintage. With 95+ points from Wine Advocate, it's a "a classical expression of Nebbiolo that gives us good reason to be excited for the upcoming 2021 Barbaresco Riservas."
Next up, the 2021 Fontanabianca Bordini is a no-brainer, razor-sharp buy for Piedmont collectors looking to maximize their collectible bang for the buck, a "stunning ,,, utterly delicious" offering with glowing accolades from several critics, led by Kerin O'Keefe's 96 points and 95 points from Larner. Finally, don't miss the single-cru sleeper stars from Albino Rocca and Giuseppe Cortese. "This vivid, sculpted Barbaresco is hugely promising," writes Galloni in his 95-point review of Rocca's 2021 Ronchi. He likewise praises Cortese's 2021 rendition of the iconic Rabaja cru as "complex, dynamic and youthfully austere—in other words, it's classic Rabajà ... a drop-dead gorgeous beauty."
No matter which way you turn, it seems Barbaresco's 2021 vintage is knocking it out of the park, and our market-leading pricing on these fan favorites and collectible hits provides you ample opportunity to stock the cellar full for the next couple of decades.
Another beauty from Albino Rocca, the full-bodied 2021 Ronchi offers enticing scents of new leather, wild herb, dark spice, camphor and dog rose. It’s succulent and delicious, delivering strawberry compote, cherry, mocha and truffle that dance across the palate. Velvety tannins and fresh acidity keep it balanced while a salty mineral note lingers on the close. A fantastic wine. Drink 2026–2033.
96 points, Kerin O'Keefe
The 2021 Barbaresco Ronchi comes across as a bit youthfully austere relative to some of the other wines in the range. Chalk, mint, white pepper, scorched earth and strong mineral notes infuse the Ronchi with tremendous power to match its sinewy, driving personality. This vivid, sculpted Barbaresco is hugely promising.
95 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Oct 2024)
The Albino Rocca 2021 Barbaresco Ronchi shows a dusty mineral quality that adds to the elegance of the bouquet. Beyond that, you get nicely ripened Nebbiolo fruit with wild cherry and redcurrant. It fleshes out over the palate with tart flavors and chalky tannins. Production is 9,000 bottles.
94 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jan 2025)
A supple, elegant and linear red, boasting strawberry, cherry, rose and menthol flavors, with balance and a long, slightly austere finish. This takes an hour and a half to open right now, so give it a few years in the bottle. Best from 2028 through 2045. 650 cases made, 300 cases imported.
94 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Dec 2024)
Red berries, orange peel, dried lavender and crushed stones on the nose. Medium-bodied, restrained and polished, with a dusty texture to its tannins. Dry and a little chalky at the end. Try from 2027.
93 points, James Suckling (Apr 2024)
Top Quality Store
