2016 Rizzi Barbaresco

Here’s a very pretty Barbaresco confidently placed in floral territory, where violets are joined by sour cherries and bright citrus. The medium-to full-bodied palate is tightly knit, but poised to deliver power as it unwinds through compressed citrus and blue fruit. Drink from 2022.

The 2016 Barbaresco Rizzi is the most balanced wine in this series. The other wines feel a bit too ripe in my opinion, even in this 2016 vintage. This wine offers a soft and delicate side that is expressed with sweet fruit, spice, licorice and tar. This wine is firm and ultimately the most elegant. It could be served right away with a dish of veal-filled agnolotti.

Treiso. Tasted blind. Mid to deep ruby. Balsamic fruit that is almost a little ethereal and with minerally hints. Ripe, soft and juicy palate with gorgeous gripping yet ripe tannins that cement themselves firmly on the finish. Succulent, elegant, expressive. (WS)