2015 Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano Barbaresco Riserva DOCG Italy

I tasted this wine after bottling but before its commercial release. The 2015 Barbaresco will hit the market on September 1st. It was scheduled to be released in October, but because Produttori del Barbaresco is already out of stock of the 2014 Barbaresco, they decided to move this release up and shorten waiting times. I mention that because you definitely don't want to pop the cork too early. The 2015 vintage opens to a visibly darker color and thicker concentration compared to recent past vintages. Next to the upcoming 2016 and 2017 editions, we can expect 2015 to be the most fruit-forward of the three. You get dark tones of plum and blackberry with dry tannins at the rear.

93 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Rose petal, dark spice and camphor aromas slowly take shape in the glass along with a whiff of tar. Juicy and delicious, the smooth full-bodied palate has a weightless elegance, delivering succulent Marasca cherry, ripe raspberry, licorice and tobacco while fine-grained tannins provide support. Drink 2021–2027.

93 Points Wine Enthusiast