The 2005 Barbaresco Rio Sordo represents the last year that fruit from Tre Stelle and Rio Sordo was used together. These sites would later be divided into two separate vineyard parcels to be vinified individually. Giovanna Rizzolio reminds me that 2005 was a very challenging year because of the scorching summer heat. I found this wine to be at a very interesting time in its drinking evolution. It is expressive and deep with mature tones of licorice and spice folded over dried berry and black currant. It shows contrasting elements of both rusticity and elegance. Drink: 2014-2020. Giovanna Rizzolio and her lovely family (including husband Italo and sons Riccardo and Davide) are rising stars in the Tre Stelle area of Barbaresco. They own 1.5 hectares in the 15-hectare Tre Stelle cru. Although her family made wine as far back as 1948 (she has a few dusty bottles left in her photogenic cellars), her winemaking efforts start with the 1999 vintage. Her total holdings include 3.6 hectares of vines and production has reached 20,000 bottles. Various American Importers, including: Polaner Selections, Mount Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404; La Famiglia Corona, Baton Rouge, LA; tel. (225) 650-9030; Cream Wine Company, Chicago, IL; tel. (321) 421-1900

Beautiful aromas of ripe strawberry, with hints of Indian spice and new wood. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Best after 2012. 280 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add