The challenging conditions in 2018 led Produttori to forego all of their single-cru wines, a difficult financial decision for the winery but an opportunity for wine lovers. This wine opens with classic scents of tar and roses, red berry and cherry flavors that are ripe and round, freshened by notes of fennel and thyme, and deepened by that crulevel fruit. Grab a case if you can.

Packaged in its distinctive brown paper label, the Produttori del Barbaresco 2018 Barbaresco is a beautifully lean and luminous expression of Nebbiolo, and that pretty color should remain intact over time. The aromas are bold and ripe with dark and purple fruit, but the bouquet shows interesting twists with earth, truffle, licorice and grilled herb. As the wine opens in the glass, you begin to notice heavier aromas of raisin and dried apricot.It wears a warm-vintage signature for sure, and for that reason, I would suggest a shorter drinking window for the 2018. Best After 2023.

Violet and red berry aromas mingle with dark spice, leather and camphor. The full-bodied palate offers cherry marinated in spirits, orange rind, black tea and a hint of menthol alongside solid tannins.