2017 Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo Riserva Barbaresco

Not far from the Tanaro River lies Rio Sordo, in the southern part of the Barbaresco village. The light limestone soil with relatively low calcium content (compared to other areas of Barbaresco) produces wines where tannins are never dominant, instead they show a silky quality on the palate that makes them extremely attractive and seductive, never imposing and always elegant. Behind the smooth elegance however, lies a core of powerful structure and very well balanced tannins that give to the Rio Sordo its complexity and longevity.

Other Reviews....
The 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo (with 10,000 bottles released) has a mineral character and a sleek, firm approach that gives this wine its special identity. The wine is polished, almost glossy in texture with blackcurrant, plum and wild rose, and the tannins are gripping, although the Rio Sordo sports a lean to medium-rich density overall. Drink 2025 - 2048.
95 points
Monica Larner - Wine Advocate (Jun 2022)

The 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo shows the natural intensity of the year, and yet retains a good bit of the aromatic lift that is so typical of Nebbiolo at its best. Silky, perfumed and poised, the Rio Sordo is impressive in this tasting. Spice and floral notes lift a core of red-toned fruit in this mid-weight yet packed Barbaresco from the Produttori. This has very fine potential. Drink 2025-2037.
93 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

Delivers depth and velvety texture, which are a perfect foil for the saturated cherry and raspberry fruit flavors. Underlined by mineral and spice notes, this is harmonious and long, with a mineral aftertaste. Feels approachable now, but this has structure and will age beautifully. Best from 2025 through 2043.
95 points
Bruce Sanderson - Wine Spectator

The nose offers cedar, raspberry and balsamic notes suggesting camphor. On the chewy palate, tight, fine-grained tannins support ripe Morello cherry, licorice, mint and a hint of coffee bean. Drink through 2029.
93 points
Kerin O'Keefe - Wine Enthusiast