...the previous 2019 was the first in a glorious trio of vintages, with 2020 continuing this legacy and offering Barbaresco a true spotlight. While 2020 has big boots to fill as the successor to the outstanding 2019 vintage in Piedmont, both vintages offer us something very different and, naturally, equally delightful. The 2020 vintage gives us a genuine vintage of pleasure: the wines are open, relaxed and generously fruity with succulent tannins poised to be super delicious now without sacrificing a graceful journey in the Cellar resting for years to come if you prefer. 

"Recall that this was a vintage marked by lockdown. Logistically for the farmers like Franca Vacca this meant no travel burdens, appointments or foreign commitments. No tourism and significantly reduced pollution (dolphins in Venice!...remember that?!)... Thus, vineyards received more attention than ever as for a farmer in rural Italy otherwise confined to her house, the fields and grapes and resulting cellar work offered a worthy excuse to escape the confines of her home. Quite simply, the wines are better for it." - Berry Bros. & Rudd


Many producers are likening 2020 to the magnificence of 2016 in the best possible light with an interesting and lovely twist: the '20s may possess the classical red-fruited centers and glossy tannins, balanced but enduring acidity, and a promise to delight this evening or year from now...BUT, these wines do NOT carry the initial austerity and seeming 'defense' of '16 when the wines showed great future and collectible promise often at the inherent sacrifice of approachability in their youth. With these wines this year on-offer, stock up the Larder AND the Cellar. You'll want to pull some corks right away without giving up the fun and delight of returning to these bottles year after year as they mature.

This wine holds its story close as if it's waiting for just the right moment to reveal its secrets. Subtle aromas of wild fruits, dried herbs and the intriguing aroma of cola nut mingle with hints of licorice. On the palate, it's a satisfying chewiness that gives the wine a richness to hold the dark-cherry notes and black-tea flavors. The fresh acidity adds a lively touch, promising that this wine has the stamina to age beautifully over time. - Wine Enthusiast (On Tasting the 2020 Vintage)

From my Importer: Cantina del Pino has emerged, seemingly recently, as one of the most important producers of Barbaresco. However their vineyard and family history could not be more intertwined with the history of Barbaresco. The very first wine labeled as Barbaresco, made by the "father" of Barbaresco, the renowned enologist Domizio Cavazza in 1894, was made from the Ovello Vineyard that Renato Vacca's great-great grandfather purchased from him a few years later and the family has owned ever since. Cavazza owned the estate, formerly known as Cascina Ovello, another nearby parcel, and also the castle. When his first son was born he planted a Pine tree at the top of Ovello and over time it became known as Cantina del Pino. That tree, depicted on the label, still stands today. The bulk of their current vineyard land is on the historic cru “Ovello” in the commune of Barbaresco. Ovello’s elevation, exposure, both to the sun and the climate moderating effects of the nearby Tanaro river, vine age (80 years) and soil mix all contribute to the combination of finesse, complexity and power evident in the wines of Cantina del Pino. Ovello has a long track record of producing one of the most complex and elegant Barbaresco's. The estate has been acquiring new vineyards over the last few years spread around the village of Nieve. One, just a couple of hundred yards from Vigneto Santo Stefano in Albesani, which has been long considered a Grand Cru of the Nieve part of the Barbaresco zone. It is a very dark and powerful wine (though made in the exact same way) and so very complementary in the line to the incredible finesse of the Ovello.

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