The 2020 Barbaresco Montestefano unveils its classic character with a dense and plush profile, a true embodiment of the Montestefano style. This vintage, like its Barbaresco counterparts, is notably approachable—an ideal choice for readers who prefer wines ready for enjoyment without the need for extended cellaring. Rich, dark Nebbiolo fruit intertwines seamlessly with notes of spice, leather, incense, and licorice, culminating in a luxurious and resonant finish. While undeniably a stunning wine, the only lament lies in its proximity to the exceptional 2019 vintage, leaving it just shy of that pinnacle.
The 2020 Barbaresco Montestefano is incredibly shut down today, which I take as a huge positive for a year that yielded relatively open wines. Readers should be in no rush. The 2020 offers plenty of Montestefano earthiness and savouriness, with plenty of fruit that today is enrobed by formidable tannins. The 2020 is still coming together, but it has a ton to offer.