Cantina del Pino Barbaresco 2010 1.5L

94 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "The 2010 Barbaresco is anything but a -base- Barbaresco says Renato Vacca. It is assembled from fruit sourced in Barbaresco and Neive but grapes are specially selected to make this wine. It opens to a light garnet color and Burgundian aromas of small berries, blue flowers and light spice. There-s a delicate touch of toasted pine nut at the back. Fruit from Nieve contributes more power, heft and color. Fruit from the Barbaresco township renders a sense of elegance and finesse. These wines are not clarified or filtered. Drink: 2017-2028.
Renato Vacca releases his Barbaresco one year later than most and is extremely excited about 2010. I visited him on a beautiful spring day as his elderly father fumbled with a ladder to pick fruit off a cherry tree in the background. Renato and his family once sold fruit to Produttori del Barbaresco before Cantina del Pino was founded in 1997. The winery was built in 2000 and Renato introduced the Albesani cru in 2005 to offer contrast to the wine he is best known for, the Barbaresco Ovello. Together he farms five single vineyards in Neive and Barbaresco (Starderi, Albesani, Gallina and Ovello) and makes three expressions of Barbaresco. Drink 2017-2028 (Jun 2014)"

93+ points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2010 Barbaresco is gorgeous, but readers are going to have to be patient. Firm tannins support a core of racy red berries, freshly cut flowers, mint, pine and resin. The 2010 is built on serious energy and intensity. The tannins are quite firm, so readers will have to give this some bottle age. A long, racy finish rounds things out in style. This is a fabulous showing. The Barbaresco is a blend of fruit from Albesani, Starderi, Gallina and Ovello. Drink 2015-2030 (Oct 2013)"

91 points Kerin O'Keefe (Wine Enthusiast): "Vibrant and elegant, this opens with aromas of bright red berry, rose petal and savory herb. The sleek palate delivers juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and intense licorice alongside firm but fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. It's impeccably balanced. Drink 2018–2028. (Mar 2015)"