Looking at the first of four Barbaresco, the 2022 Barbaresco Bordini is floral and inviting on the nose, and has fruity aromas of preserved strawberries, herbes de Provence, crushed flowers, and sweet herbs. The palate is medium-bodied, with a good deal of intensity upfront, as well as fine tannins, snappy, angular acidity, and a nervous energy at this early stage. It will likely improve in another 6-12 months and can be enjoyed over the coming 10 years.

Lots of flower petal, dried strawberry, cedar and milk chocolate character on the nose and palate. Medium- to full-bodied with tannins that build on the palate and are long and consistent. Turns soft at the end as it grows on the palate. Better in 2027 and on onwards.

The La Spinetta 2021 Barbaresco Bordini, with organic fruit from the village of Neive, offers a voluptuous interpretation of Nebbiolo with fragrant tones of rose, blue flowers and sweet cherry on the close. The wine delivers more heft and fruit weight overall with pretty notes of crushed aspirin on the finish. It also tastes a bit stemmy with rosemary and dried herb.

Offering a mix of balsamic and savory aromas and flavors, this red reveals notes of eucalyptus, mint, juniper, black currant and raspberry. Sleek and firmly structured, with intense fruit and a mineral element prevailing in the end. Balanced, this just needs a few years to integrate. Best from 2028 through 2043. 1,083 cases made, 361 cases imported.

The 2021 Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini is a very pretty, open-knit wine. Crushed flowers, red cherry/plum fruit, leather, spice, menthol and blood orange are front and center. Wines from Bordini tend to be a bit more tannic, but the 2021 here is pretty approachable. Floral and spice overtones lift the finish.

Pretty ripe fruit with citrus and baking spices on both the nose and palate. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that give tension and framing to the wine. Better in two or three years.

The La Spinetta 2020 Barbaresco Bordini has a spicy note on first nose that recalls cinnamon and a touch of something darker like crushed clove. This warm-vintage expression of Nebbiolo embraces rich fruit aromas of blackberry and dark currant, and there is an earthy side with rusty nail and potting soil. It closes with high-toned accents of balsam herb or eucalyptus oil.

The 2020 Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini is redolent of crushed flowers, red berry fruit, mint, white pepper. This mid-weight, nervy Barbaresco has much to offer, especially if the tannins soften a bit. This is the most floral and mid-weight of the Spinetta Barbarescos.

La Spinetta's 2019 Barbaresco Bordini opens to a wide and ample set of Nebbiolo aromas spanning from Morello cherry and plum, to dark earth and spicy licorice. This is a solid, mid-weight expression and a wine that ultimately lasts long on the palate thanks to the density and quality of its texture.

The roses and lemon leaf come through in the nose, with a palate of cherries and plums. Medium-bodied with chewy yet fine tannins and a medium finish. A year or two will soften this. Drink after 2024.

Both rich and dense, this Barbaresco exhibits aromas and flavors of black cherry, blackberry, iron, underbrush and earth. Dense and persistent, with fine balance overall and a lingering finish. Best from 2026 through 2042.

The 2019 Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini is a powerful, brooding wine that packs a ton of punch. I would give it a few hours of air to help soften some of the formidable tannins. Dark red cherry, plum, spice, leather, sweet spice, flowers, licorice and menthol are all amplified, as are the tannins. This is far from an easy going Barbaresco, but it does open nicely with aeration.

La Spinetta's 2018 Barbaresco Bordini is a very nuanced and streamlined expression. It opens softly to present aromas of red and purple currants. The elegance of the wine comes out, thanks to the subtle mineral tones of crushed limestone and dry earth that lift so delicately from the bouquet. The La Spinetta house style is normally richer and more concentrated, and this cool vintage comes as a nice surprise.

Bordini has southeast exposition with sandy soils at 240 meters elevation. The 2018 Barbaresco Bordini offers soft floral aromas of candied peach, wild strawberry, and cinnamon. The palate is medium-bodied and inviting, with fresh raspberry, delicately steeped tea, and rosewater. It has fine tannins, and with its lean texture and refreshing acidity, it is prime for early drinking. Enjoy 2021-2028.

Flavors of sweet cherry and raspberry jelly mix with notes of black-currant pastille and cherry cola in this bold, spice-laden wine. The notes begin to harmonize toward the finish, brightened by hints of licorice and menthol.

Really beautiful 2017 Barbaresco with ripe cherry, orange peel and light chocolate at the end. It’s full-bodied, tight and focused with a long, flavorful finish. Give it some time to come together. Try after 2023.

This red is marked by a mix of juniper, eucalyptus and thyme flavors, with bright black currant and bilberry fruit. The initial suppleness is replaced by dense, dusty tannins as this winds down on the long finish. Best from 2023 through 2039.

From the comune of Neive, the 2017 Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini is made from youngish vines, aged about 30 years on average. Bright, tonic and fresh, Bordini offers an accessible and approachable expression of aged Nebbiolo that could work well in a restaurant setting or for near-term consumption. The wine opens to a vibrant bouquet with cherry, licorice, tar and campfire ash. The tannins are noticeable and firm, reflecting the heat of the vintage but forging forward to shape a long and polished finish.

The 2017 Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini is a supple, easygoing wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Sweet raspberry fruit, crushed rose petal, sweet spice and a kick of new French oak give this mid-weight Barbaresco tons of sheer allure. In 2017, the Bordini is terrific.

Violet, raspberry and jupiter flavors mark this elegant yet firmly structured Barbaresco. Hints of earth, iron and eucalyptus add detail as this tightens up on the finish. Decant now or celllar. Best from 2023 through 2040. 1,083 cases made, 152 cases imported.

A uniquely pretty nose with plenty of peach tea, persimmon and earl grey tea. Medium to full body, round and generous tannins and a orange-coated finish. Drink in 2021.

This Barbaresco is of a thicker and darker concentration than the others within this set of new releases, with ripe cherry fruit and dark berries that lift immediately from the glass. But the 2016 Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini is thinner and less consequential in the mouth than I had expected from the appearance. This is a very linear and streamlined approach that could accompany a tenderloin carpaccio with arugula, shaved Parmesan and extra virgin olive oil. Some 11,500 bottles were produced.

The 2016 Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini is an attractive wine, especially in its peer group. Pretty floral, red berry fruit, mint and a touch of small French oak are all beautifully lifted. In the glass, the 2016 is a touch slender and nervous, but very attractive just the same. Dried cherry, crushed flowers, sweet tobacco, mint and white pepper and a touch of new oak give the 2016 a bright, piercing upper register.

Exotic aromas of rose, peony, raspberry and kirsch are shaded by juniper, wild thyme and tar accents. This is an elegant red, firmly structured yet balanced and long, with a persistent, detailed finish. Best from 2022 through 2036. 1,080 cases made, 380 cases imported.

Giorgio Rivetti of La Spinetta is one of the region's leading modernists, producing voluptuous wines with great intensity of flavour. This is aged in older tonneaux so is not overtly oaky. The nose is opulent, with super-ripe but not overblown cherry aromas, and the attack is sweet, concentrated and tannic, blending breadth and assertion. It's powerful and spicy, showing energy rather than upfront fruitiness, with a long, chewy finish.

Decadent and rich aromas of smoked meat, ripe fruit and rose stems. Lots of leather, too. Full body, round and soft tannins and a delicious finish. Give it a year or two to come around more, but already delicious.

The 2015 Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini is La Spinetta's most accessible expression of Barbaresco. I tasted the wine one month after it was bottled. This edition should be hitting the market within the next few months. Fruit for this wine comes from the southeast side of the Bordini cru that is known for softer and sweeter berries. That ripeness is particularly evident in this warm vintage. This wine is packed tight with flavors of cherry and blackberry confit and ends with powerful 14.5% alcohol. This is a ripe-tasting, near-term Barbaresco

La Spinetta's 2015 Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini is soft, open-knit and inviting, all of which makes it a fine choice for drinking over the next decade or so. Crushed flowers, dried herbs, tobacco, cedar and mint are all nicely lifted in this decidedly fragrant, mid-weight Barbaresco.

Deep ruby red with slightly brightening edges. Clear, very inviting nose, raspberry and eucalyptus candy openly escape from the glass, has fine spicy notes of vanilla in the background. Very full with a strongly balanced acid-tannin interplay, fruit - and fine-meshed, endlessly long, has great recognition potential.

Shows fragant raspberry, rose, wild herb, spice and tobacco aromas and flavors. Though elegant, this is solidly underlined by tannins. Fine lengh. Decant. Best from 2018 through 2030. 1,030 cases made.

The 2012 Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini is a fascinating wine that really stands apart from its peers. I can't say htat everyone will love it, but ypu can't deny the originality and sheer character of this wine. There is an exotic element to the bouquet that comes off as clove, licorice and barbecue smoke. This is avery aromatic rendition of Nebbiolo. This year those opulent spice tones are more graceful and feminine.

Aromas of flower leaf, dried fruit and spice follow through to a full body with round, chewy tannins and a savory, tea, ginger and berry aftertaste. Tannic and structured. Better in 2017.

The 2011 Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini shows more of the heat that defines this vintage. This Barbaresco is structured and firm with soft layers of Morello cherry, blackberry syrup, exotic spice, leather tar and road paving. The mouthfeel is soft and yielding with riper tannins and dark, fruity consistency. This Barbaresco will perform well during a near and medium-term drinking window

The 2011 Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini shows more of the heat that defines this vintage. This Barbaresco is structured and firm with soft layers of Morello cherry, blackberry syrup, exotic spice, leather tar and road paving. The mouthfeel is soft and yielding with riper tannins and dark, fruity consistency. This Barbaresco will perfowm well during a near and medium-term drinking window. I had the opportunity to spend some time with Giorgio Ribetti this year at the Campe winery just outside the Grinzane Cavour castle. This gave me the opportunity to taste his fabulous 2005 Riservas from magnum (that will be released later this year in September) and a chance to catch up some back vintages. La Spinetta is synonymous with one of the most distinctive winemaking styles in the Langhe. The wines are easily identifiable in a blind tasting because, acroos the board, they offer a uniquely intense aromatic delivery. The bouquets on the 2013 wines are deeply fragant and fruity, the 2012 vintage is more integrated with spice and tobacco. The 2011 vintage is marked by profound balsam notes of cola, mint and medicinal herbs. These are extremely personalized wines.

The 2009 Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini sees fruit harvested from 30- to 35-year-old vines planted in the sandy soils of the Bordini cru of Neive. The first vintage produced was 2006. This wine is hugely aromatic with floral tones of pressed violets and lavender backed by garden herbs and mint. The long, menthol finish is divine. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. Giorgio Rivetti has unveiled a stunning line of new wines, and a few surprises as well, from his impeccable winery and tasting room at the foot of the Grinzane Cavour castle. The line of Riserva Barbarescos and Riserva Barolo will only be bottled in magnums in the best vintages. The year 2004 is the inaugural vintage of theses special releases. Giorgio purchased a beautiful estate in the Grinzane Cavour estate for the making Barolo. His vineyard graces a dome-shaped hill and is planted with 55-to 60-year-old Nebbiolo vines.

The 2009 Barbaresco Bordini is an attractive, entry-level wine from La Spinetta. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries mint and spices flesh out as the wine opens up in the glass. A juicy, radiant Barbaresco, the Bordini captures the best qualities of the eyar in its open personality. This is a relatively accessible, soft Barbaresco that will drink well with minimum cellaring. A final burst of sweet floral and spice-infused notes add complexity on the finish.

Very fresh aromas of roses and ripe fruits. Cedar too. Full to medium body. Starts off slowly and then ends with a chewy tannin and savory finish. Give it two or three.

The 2008 Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini is an attractive, relatively accessible Barbaresco laced with super-ripe red cherries, flowers and sweet spices. It shows good balance and an inviting personality, if not quite the pedigree of the 2007. The fruit dries out just a bit on the finish, exposing slight elements of dryness on the tannin. Anticipated maturity 2012-2018. This is a superb set of wines from Giorgio Rivetti. The 2008 Barbareschi are among the strongest wines of the year, while the 2007 Barolo Campe is the best wine to merge from Rivetti's vineyards in Grinzane Cavour. The La Spinetta style focusing on wines of great textural richness remains intact, but is dialed in to a greater degree with each passing vintage.

(Just the third vintage from these 30-year-old south-facing vines; aged in a few new barriques and the rest 600-liter barrels): Medium red. Dark berries, graphite, mint and violet on the fruity nose. Fresh, perfumed and energetic, with good cut to the dark berry, floral and tobacco flavors. The building tannins are firm and serious but not dry. Doesn't have quite body or power of Rivetti's other Barbarescos but made an elegant style. Rivetti says it's half the price of his other Barbarescos.

The 2007 Barbaresco Vigneto Bordiini is truly beautiful. A translucent red, the Bordini flows with the essence of crushed flowers, berries and sweet baking spices, all of which come together in a mid-weight frame. This shows lovely density and richness in a classy, understated style, with plenty of detail and a long, polished finish. As good as this is, I get the sense there is significant potential for this vineyard to produce even better wine. In 2007 the Bordini is a gem from La Spinetta.

The 2007 Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini is truly beautiful. A translucent red, the Bordini flows with the seence of crushed flowers, berries and sweet baking spices, all of which come together in a mid-weight frame. This shows lovely density and richness in a classy, understated style, with plenty of detail and a long, polished finish. As good as this is, I get the sense there is significant potential for this vineyard to produce even better wine. In 2007 the Bordini is a gem form La Spinetta. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022.

(from steep, south-facing 25-year-old vines in Nieve; Rivetti bought this vineyard in 2006; bottled in July of this year with Rivetti's 2007 Barbaresco) Medium red. Dried rose and marzipan on the nose. A sweet and creamy style of 2006, but with firm underlying tannic structured and a calcaire element giving a savory quality to the strawberry and mineral flavors. Finishes with big, broad serious tannins. Complex rather than powerful, but there's no shortage of grip here. A very elegant style. Rivetti's kept this longer in oak (new and once-used barriques) because it was a new wine for him and he wanted to see how it evolved.