Produttori del Barbaresco Pora Riserva 2017 (750ML)

94 WA / 93 WS / 93 VM / 93 WI / 92 WE / 17 JR

The 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Pora (with 13,333 bottles released) is usually the first wine I taste each year when I review this set of Riservas from Produttori del Barbaresco. That's because it usually appears as the most delicate, and the intensity of each successive bottle increases after this one. But these schematics are a bit more difficult to align in a hot and dry vintage such as this that produced richer and more succulent fruit across the board. The Pora is redolent of red and purple fruit with a little more blackberry and plum compared to previous editions. The tannic strength of the wine is also more elaborate. Pora works very well in 2017.--Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

A rich, fruity version, this Barbaresco exudes ripe cherry fruit augmented by accents of tar, mint, earth and spice. Firms up nicely on the finish, yet stays fresh and energetic. Best from 2024 through 2040. —B.S., Wine Spectator

The 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is rich, creamy and layered, with a bit more generosity than is typically the case. Sweet red cherry, red plum, spice and rose petal are amplified in a radiant, open-knit Barbaresco that will start drinking well in a few years' time. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

The 2017 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Pora Riserva has light notes of fragrant meadow flowers on the nose and on the palate and some background sweet spice notes. On the palate there is a beautiful, vibrant acidity giving a very nice brightness to the wine. The concentration is a little lighter but the wine has a lively, lithe and refreshing feel culminating in fine, gravelly-textured tannins. The Pora vineyard is the one closest to the Tanaro river and it tends to get breezes and more humidity during the day plus warm early mornings. It has quite fertile soils. This tends to produce more open knit wines with gentle tannins. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent

Balsamic aromas of camphor mingle with cedar, underbrush and dark spice. The austere palate shows dried cherry, prune soaked in spirits, licorice and clove alongside taut, close-grained tannins that leave a somewhat drying finish. Drink through 2029. - Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast

Barbaresco. Mid developing ruby with orange tinges. Deep leafy cherry with hints of orange and black tea leaves. Supple and fresh acidity with succulent cherry fruit and lots of soft chewy tannins. Very long and juicy with plenty of stuffing, but with an elegant palate weight and ready now. (WS) - Jancis Robinson