Castello di Neive Barbaresco Albesani Santo Stefano 2018 (750ML)

97 KO / 97 DE / 93 VM / 17+ JR

Combining structure and elegance, this stunning wine opens with enticing aromas of menthol, star anise, wild berry and tobacco. Full-bodied yet weightless and boasting great energy, the delicious palate delivers ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and baking spice framed in firm, refined tannins. It’s well balanced, with fresh acidity that also lends tension. Drink 2026–2038.-Kerin O’Keefe

PLATINUM “Dried fennel, potpourri, and dried cranberry on the nose. Beneath that, densely packed red and black cherry. A sense of latent power that needs more time to release. Lithe, refreshing tannin, with an apricot blossom finish.”-Decanter World Wine Awards

The 2018 Barbaresco Riserva Albesani Santo Stefano is a powerful, brooding wine. There's more oak impact here, and that leaves the wine feeling too constricted, like a person wearing a piece of clothing that is one size too small. Dark macerated cherry, spice, leather and tobacco open gradually. The Riserva is not a bad wine, far from it. But there is quite a bit more potential here.-Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Tasted blind. Just mid ruby with watery, orange-tinged rim. Cumin and cherry on the nose and with hints of tobacco leaf. Tangy and concentrated palate with supporting, ripe, supple tannins. Long and beautifully balanced and can already be approached.-Walter Speller, JancisRobinson