Barbaresco 'Bricco di Neive - Vie Erte'

Score

16.5+

"Lightish ruby. Open and scented with perfumed, sour red fruits and just a hint of overgrowth. Meaty and thickly but smoothly textured. Needs time for the tannins to become more elegant. Lots of freshness but seems to be developing relatively quickly, apart from those tannins. (JH)"

Score

94

"From 24-year-old vines on sandy soils, the bright red 2020 Barbaresco Bricco Di Neive Vie Erte is spicy and open right out of the gate with notes of fresh cherries, cinnamon, incense, and a touch of saddle leather. Offering fantastic energy on the palate, it's an approachable red with fine, sweet tannins, lovely, fresh acidity, and a great finish. It balances its components out with a lot of ripe purity and finesse. Drink 2024-2036."

Score

95

"The 2020 Barbaresco Bricco di Neive Vie Erte is classy, elegant and polished, with the harmony that is such a signature of the best wines in this vintage. Bright red-toned fruit, blood orange, mint, spice and white pepper lend brilliance. There's plenty of the linear focus that is typical here, but no hard edges or awkward contours. The Vie Erte is the more classic of the Cigliuti Barbarescos. In 2020, it's a real stunner."

Score

93

"Warmed cherries macerate in a slurry of allspice, clove and dried herbs, while subtle hints of dried earth, black tea and pressed roses all add to the depth of the nose of this wine. The palate bursts with wild raspberries and red currants, leading to a savory midpalate that yearns for roasted meats, mushrooms or game. Elegant and supple tannins provide a plushness that brings a smile. Drink now–2040. —J.P"

Score

94

"A rich style, this red features black cherry, black currant and violet aromas and flavors, shaded by tar, eucalyptus and iron notes. There's a solid structure underneath and this finishes long, with emphasis on the fruit. Best from 2026 through 2042. ‡B.S."