Barbaresco 'Fausoni'

Score

93

"Always a big and tough wine, the 2017 Starderi is a little bit lighter on its feet than usual, something I noticed in all of the Barbarescos from La Spinetta in this vintage and that generally I view this lighter more approachable slightly less oak-dominated interpretations in a favourable light. This wine’s deep red colour is nicely matched by a deep, perfumed nose of vanilla, cinnamon and red fruit; the flavours are similar to the aromas and nicely framed by serious but polished oak on the long assertive finish. Drinking window: 2024-2038"

Score

95

"The Fausoni zone provides sandy and clay soils, and you get more power here than from the other locations. These vines are 35 to 40 years old, and the 2016 Barbaresco Fausoni lets fly those menthol notes that are so characteristic of this vineyard in Neive. Slightly more balsamic in its aromatic profile than the other Barbarescos, this expression of Nebbiolo, sitting sur lies for two years, shows a very different tannic feel in a wine that offers surprising freshness and purity. Those minty Neive notes, its direct and linear nature, plus the very precise and sharply managed tannins make this cru a winner in my book. Some 6,000 bottles were made."

Score

95

"The 2016 Barbaresco Fausoni is another superb wine in this lineup of 2016 Barbarescos from the Sottimano family. Bright floral and citrus overtones give the 2016 a vibrant, chiseled feel. Sweet red/purplish berry fruit, blood orange, spice, menthol rose petal and lavender are some of the many notes that flesh out in this super-expressive, mid-weight Barbaresco from Sottimano. Aromatically lifted, dense on the palate and also very structured, the 2016 is a very complete Fausoni. The 2016 finishes with tremendous persistence and a classic sense of austerity that is compelling."

Score

95

"From 45-year-old vines rooted in sandy clay soils in the Fausoni cru, this is a high-toned, floral 2016. Scents of mint, thyme and violet surge from the glass, previewing brisk flavors of red cherry and orange peel woven together by fine, sandpapery tannins."

Score

93

"This has classic Nebbiolo aromas of dark-skinned berry, fragrant blue flower, baking spice, new leather and menthol. The firm focused palate delivers dried black cherry, cranberry, licorice and white pepper set against a backbone of youthfully austere fine-grained tannins. Give it a few more years to unwind and fully develop. Drink 2025–2035. "

Score

94

"Deep, plum and floral nose, then a ripe and generous palate with considerable tannic power, but also very good balance. The dry, quite minerally finish is long and intense. Drink or hold."

Score

92

"Showing elegance and grace starting with the first sip, the 2015 Barbaresco Fausoni also reveals power and integration. You get both sides of the spectrum with this wine: silk and muscle. The bouquet emits aromas of pressed blue flower, rose hip, dried red currant, spice and fine licorice. The finish is compact and long in persistence. Only 5,000 bottles were produced."

Score

92

"Broad-shouldered, with cherry, loam and licorice notes, this red boasts well-appointed tannins and bright acidity. Complex and chewy on the long finish. Best from 2022 through 2040. 430 cases made, 200 cases imported. "

Score

94

"The 2015 Barbaresco Fausoni offers terrific freshness and lift, especially within the context of the year. Bright red berry fruit and floral notes give this mid-weight, nervy Barbaresco much of its vibrancy. The tannins could use a bit more bottle age to soften, but otherwise, the 2015 is just as impressive today as it was last year, when I tasted it just after bottling."

Score

93

"Andrea Sottimano harvests the fruit for this wine from 45-year-old vines in the Fausoni cru of Barbaresco’s Neive subzone. It offers more immediate appeal than his austere 2015 Pajoré, with scents of violets, sage and mint on fleshy black-cherry flavors and plentiful but polished tannins that frame the fruit without impeding it."