2019 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...
Polished and loaded with finesse, the Produttori’s 2019 Rio Sordo Riserva is a dazzling wine. It opens with heady aromas of new leather, perfumed berry, cedar and spice. On the savory, elegant yet structured palate, a backbone of polished, silky tannins seamlessly supports ripe Morello cherry, white pepper, black tea and star anise. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced and intense. This needs a few more years to fully develop and promises great aging potential. Drink 2028–2039.
98 points
Kerin O'Keefe

The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is quite deep in this vintage, with notable depth in its dark-toned fruit. This is an especially powerful Rio Sordo that is still coming together. Its intensity is palpable, even if I see less of the finesse that I associate with wines from this site. Today, all of the wine's energy is directed inwards. Drink: 2026-2041.
93 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

Pale ruby color with an amazingly restrained character and leafy lightness. Very elegant, with licorice, sweet violet, mineral, cherry pit and peach peel flavors. Over this layered complexity the wine is firm, with dusty tannins, but velvety and ripe. A sticky finish is balanced by a full body and crisp acidity. Delicious. Can be drunk now, but best from 2034.
95 points
James Suckling