"This wine gives us our first taste of the epic 2021 vintage from a producer as prolific as Produttori del Barbaresco ... this vintage shows the immense power and complexity that likens it to 2016, another year for collectors."
- Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
What La Chablisiènne is to Burgundy, Produttori del Barbaresco is to Piedmont (and Italy overall) –the undisputed standard bearer for excellence in a wine co-operative. This legendary producer has been setting the tone for Barbaresco for decades, turning out vintage after vintage of reference-point, collectible expressions from their incredible stable of prized crus.
While we eagerly await the release of the inimitable, single-vineyard Riservas from the monumental 2021 vintage, we're now getting a glimpse of just how special these wines will be in the 2021 Barbaresco. Sourced from many of those same coveted crus that comprise Produttori's range of collectible trophies, the appellation bottling boasts unimpeachable pedigree and class, and the 2021 rendition has the critical line to prove it. With stellar scores from every critic of note, it's a "classic Barbaresco and is one of the greatest values in Italian fine wine" according to Italian wine authority Kerin O'Keefe in her 96-point review. More praise to the tune of 95+ points from Larner and several 94-point reviews confirms it as a stunning, must-have expression of a beloved Piedmont favorite. Best of all, our private clients have an opportunity to load the cellar at razor-sharp introductory pricing.
This wine gives us our first taste of the epic 2021 vintage from a producer as prolific as Produttori del Barbaresco. Bottled in April 2024, this vintage shows the immense power and complexity that likens it to 2016, another year for collectors. The 2021 Barbaresco offers medium-rich density that is transmitted both to the wine's appearance and its mouthfeel. There is black fruit, spice and a touch of nutmeg. However, the wine maintains its youthful tension and energy throughout. The tannins are chalky, fine and void of any bitterness. This is a classical expression of Nebbiolo that gives us good reason to be excited for the upcoming 2021 Barbaresco Riservas.
95+ points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jan 2025)
The 2021 Barbaresco offers more complexity and sports a bit deeper shade of red than the 2021. Layered with aromas of kirsch, darker spice, cardamom, candied flowers, and orange peel, the palate is more structured and compact, with savory notes of salty earth, angular, ripe tannins, and its more citrus-noted acidity shining on the palate. It has more nervous energy and needs more time. Give it another couple years and drink 2027-2046.
94 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (May 2025)
A vibrant, well-defined red, offering rose, cherry, strawberry, white pepper and mineral flavors. Sleek and elegant, this firms up on the linear finish. Balanced and approachable now yet would benefit from a bit more time to knit together. Excellent length.
94 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Apr 2025)
#7 - Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025
An intriguing wine with aromas of potpourri, dried cherries and candied orange zest. Smoky and juicy on the palate, with firm, dusty yet ripe tannins, a full body and a long, savory finish. Drinkable now, but it has great potential for the long haul.
94 points, James Suckling (Nov 2024)