Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco 2021

96 points Kerin O'Keefe: "2021 was an exceptional year in the Langhe as is clearly demonstrated by the gorgeous 2021 Barbaresco from Produttori. It boasts beautiful aromas of violet, rose, cake spice and mint that carry over to the elegant palate along with succulent red cherry, crushed raspberry and star anise. Taut, refined tannins and bright acidity keep it impeccably balanced. Made from blending Nebbiolo from different vineyard sites, this is the firm’s classic Barbaresco and is one of the greatest values in Italian fine wine. Drink 2027–2033. Abv: 14.5%. (Sep 2024)"

95+ points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "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. Drink: 2026-2045. (1/30/25)"

95 points Ian D'Agata Wine Review: "Deeply saturated vibrant red. Complex, intense aromas of red cherry, sexy sweet spices, red rose, flint, and violet are complicated by hints of tobacco and milk chocolate. Showing captivating richness, even sultriness, for this bottling, this is rich yet vibrant, with an ample, deep core of red fruit and cinnamon flavours that are at once powerful and yet light on their feet. Harmonious acidity nicely frames and extends the flavours on the long, luscious aftertaste and the smooth tannins provide all that glossy fruit with plenty of backbone and staying power. I can't remember a classic Barbaresco from the Produttori with more immediate charm, yet with the power to age for decades; think of this beauty a little like the 2016, perhaps just a touch less deep but more explosive. Made with grapes from the Ovello cru (the largest about 25% of the total), and also Rabajà, Montestefano, Pora and Rio Sordo (in the Barbaresco commune) and Cottà, Currà, San Cristoforo and Basarin (in the commune of Neive), this was aged about twenty months in large oak barrels. Though charming right now, the 2021 is shaping up to be one destined for long cellar aging; it will likely be released for sale towards the end of the year. Founded in 1958 by nineteen growers, the Produttori di Barbaresco has since grown to over fifty members that farm over one hundred hectares` and is universally considered to be one of the world’s best wine cooperatives. But for many of us, it’s the single best one of them all, and this marvelous 2021 classic Barbaresco wine showcases why. Drinking window: 2029-2040. (9/16/24)"

94 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "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. (May 2025)"

94 points Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator): "[$57 list] 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. Best from 2027 through 2040. (4/23/25)"

93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2021 Barbaresco is a gorgeous, deep wine. Although the aromatics are a bit closed, the 2021 shows gorgeous depth and a touch more palate presence than is typically the case for this bottling. Dark and enveloping, the 2021 will offer a number of years of very fine drinking. It is an impressive, classy wine from Produttori del Barbaresco. Drink: 2024-2033. (Oct 2024)"