Each sniff open another door to this fragrant wine. At first aromas of sour red berries pop out of the glass, followed by a bouquet of rose, then whole cloves and long pepper corns. Polished with cherry jam and wild herbs at its core as the tannins direct the attention to the earthy and mineral driven finish. Drink 2026 onward.

Dark ruby red, the 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico reveals expressive notes of black raspberry, mossy earth, black truffle, leather, and violets. Medium-bodied, it fills the palate with ripe tannins, salty earth, mouthwatering acidity, and a rich feel. It's more powerful and assertive in its structure, with building tannins and a rich feel to its texture. It's a more robust style but has a lot to offer over the coming 15 years.

The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is one of the most searingly tannic wines in the range. Readers will have to be patient with the 2019, as it is going to need time. As always, Montefico is a Barbaresco built on linear intensity more than size. In 2019, the qualities are quite accented. Time in the glass opens the bouquet nicely, but the 2019 remains quite closed.