Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Rio Sordo Riserva 2020

96 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "The nose of the 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is quite expressive and spiced, showing very nicely with ripe aromas of wild raspberries, cherries, fresh herbs, and blood orange spice. The palate gains in intensity, with good energy and a mineral drive. A very successful wine in this vintage, it’s going to have plenty of life over the next 15-20 years. 13,333 bottles were produced. Drink: 2025-2045. (May 2025)"

96 points Kerin O'Keefe: "Aromas of pine forest, dark spice, new leather and hint of truffle form the enticing nose on the impressive 2020 Rio Sordo Riserva. On the palate, taut extremely refined tannins accompany pomegranate, strawberry, citrus and star anise. Drink 2026–2032. Abv: 14.5%. (Sep 2024)"

94+ points Ian D'Agata Wine Review: "Good full red-ruby. Spices, red cherry, dark plum, sandalwood and minerals on the brooding nose. Deep and elegant on entry, then monolithic and broodingly useful, but with plenty of silky pure dark fruit. A very complex, deep wine, this will need more time in the cellar than usual to come around fully. Drinking window: 2030-2040. (4/18/25)"

94 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "The Produttori del Barbaresco 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo comes from an area that is further removed from the Tanaro River and has southwestern exposures. It shows a typical profile for Nebbiolo with rich fruit, a velvety mouthfeel and textural volume that is delivered with ample blackberry, blackcurrant and spice. The character of this wine is generous and rich. There is plenty of meat on these bones. Drink: 2026-2050. (1/30/25)"

94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is pretty closed today, which is probably a very good sign for its aging prospects, as this site tends to produce wines that are more open than this. Dark cherry, plum, leather, incense and tobacco offer a decidedly somber expression of Rio Sordo. The 2020 clearly needs time. Drink: 2025-2035. (Oct 2024)"

94 points Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator): "[$89 list] This red bursts with cherry, strawberry and rose aromas and flavors, plus mineral, white pepper and anise elements. Firm and lively, showing accessibility and harmony. Enjoyable now, but there’s no rush. Best from 2026 through 2040. 1,111 cases made, 198 cases imported. (4/23/25)"