The Pio Cesare 2016 Barbaresco offers a subtle approach to Nebbiolo with a silky and graceful presence. The bouquet shows a nice and fanciful embroidery of wild berries, blue flowers and white licorice. Yes, these are the standard Nebbiolo traits, and this classic wine strives to deliver nothing more and nothing less than varietal purity. Any signs of the oak have been neatly folded into the delicate fiber of this Barbaresco. The wine represents a blend of fruit from Cascina Il Bricco, San Stefanetto, Bongiovanni and Rocche di Massalupo. Some 30,000 bottles were made.

Beautiful stuff, the 2016 Barbaresco is 100% varietal from estate vineyards in Treiso and in San Rocco Seno d'Elvio. This medium-bodied, ethereal effort has a wonderful mid-palate and silky tannins as well as lovely ripe cherry fruit, sappy flowers, crushed stone, and licorice aromas and flavors. Drink it any time over the coming 15-20 years.

Spicy, with a hint of toasty oak, this red also evokes floral, berry, iron and menthol flavors. Solid tannins lend grip on the finish, yet are never overbearing. Shows fine balance and length. Best from 2024 through 2040. 1,600 cases made, 725 cases imported. — BS