2017 Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano Riserva Barbaresco

Montestefano is one of the vineyards with higher concentrations of calcium in the soil; this gives the wine a powerful tannic structure. The extra warmth of the South facing slope is responsible for the full body and meaty texture, resulting in a deep flavoured wine with ripe fruit and tannins. In a wetter season it is usually the last to be picked among the Barbaresco vineyards. This is probably the Barbaresco that reminds more of Barolo where flavours of tar and roses prevail. A truly wonderful Barbaresco, never too heavy on the palate with a classy finish that lingers without overwhelming the senses.

Other Reviews....
The 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is darkly concentrated and among the richest wines in this series of single-vineyard Riservas. Montestefano is angular, textured and bold with dark fruit aromas, dried blackberry, toasted almond and cured tobacco. With this vintage, you get an age-worthy wine that offers brawn and power for drinking in the medium term, but it will become increasingly silky and slender with time. Dusty tannins and crushed stone appear on the long finish. There were 14,486 bottles produced. Drink 2025 - 2050.
96 points
Monica Larner - Wine Advocate (Jun 2022)

The 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is a potent, savory wine. Today, the fruit is very much in the background. A brooding, backward Barbaresco, the Montestefano clearly needs time, it is a somber, imposing Barbaresco. Dark plum, earthiness, cloves, menthol and licorice infuse the finish with notable gravitas. There's plenty of Montestefano breadth and resonance. Drink 2027-2039.
93+ points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

Dense and rich, if on the austere side now, courtesy of burly tannins, with black cherry, plum, tar and mineral serving as the main flavor themes. Reveals terrific energy and length, with a chalky feel on the finish. Best from 2027 through 2045.
93 points
Bruce Sanderson - Wine Spectator

New leather, camphor, cedar and dark spice aromas form the subtle but compelling nose. On the firmly structured palate, tightly knit, noble tannins support fleshy Morello cherry, crushed raspberry star anise and baking spice. Drink through 2029.
95 points
Kerin O'Keefe - Wine Enthusiast