The 2008 Barbaresco Vigneto Valeirano comes across as quite clenched and austere, which it always is, to some degree. It possesses plenty of energy and power, just not enough depth to balance its French oak. The finish is big, massive and tannic. If this fills out, it will merit a higher score down the road. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.
This is a superb set of wines from Giorgio Rivetti. The 2008 Barbareschi are among the strongest wines of the year, while the 2007 Barolo Campe is the best wine to emerge from Rivetti’s vineyards in Grinzane Cavour. The La Spinetta style focusing on wines of great textural richness remains intact, but is dialed in to a greater degree with each passing vintage.
Importers: Indigenous Selections, Fort Lauderdale FL; tel. (954) 530-4021, Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY (516) 677-9300