Sottimano Barbaresco Basarin 2020

Aromas of dried cherries, cocoa, cinnamon and bark with hits of dried rose petals. Medium- to full-bodied and structured with taut but fine tannins, that last long. Shows tension and depth. Lingering finish.

The 2020 Barbaresco Basarin is a wine of pure and total sensuality. For a just bottled, young Barbaresco, the Basarin possesses magnificent balance. A burst of dark red fruit, spice, rose petal, mint and blood orange hits the palate, followed by a good kick of Nebbiolo acid and tannin. Readers have to be patient. This heady, explosive Barbaresco is shaping up to be a gem.

A generous sweet perfume of pressed violets, ripe cherry, cinnamon, and incense emerges from the 2020 Barbaresco Basarin. The tannins are more giving here, and its fruit expands through the palate, with refreshing acidity and wonderful balance and purity. It is drinking well now and will continue to improve over the coming 10-15 years.

With fruit from the village of Neive, the 2020 Barbaresco Basarin is a generous and fleshed-out wine with soft fruit tones and plenty of bold cherry. Sottimano Maggiore likes to work with ambient yeasts and submerged cap. This is a fruit-forward Nebbiolo from a warm vintage. It shows above average concentration, but not by much, and feels quite smooth and supple to the palate.

A dense red, solidly built and displaying mint, eucalyptus, vanilla and resin flavors, while berry and cherry fruit elements struggle to emerge. Despite its freshness and length, this is locked up tight. Best from 2026 through 2042. 400 cases made, 120 cases imported.