This shows notes of sour cherries, ground spices and dried herbs. Hints of bark, too. Medium- to full-bodied with very fine, chalky tannins. Juicy and crunchy red-fruited character. Polished, attractive and fresh. Drink or hold.

The 2012 Barbaresco Santo Stefano is a wine of depth and austerity. It shows the black and ripe fruit exuberance of the vintage, but it also holds back with extra firmness and structure. The bouquet is immediate, but this wine holds forward over time, thanks to the firm grip and tenacity it delivers to the palate.

The 2011 Barbaresco Santo Stefano is similarly mild-manned (like the 2011 base Barbaresco) with fine aromas of cola, pressed rose, wild berry and forest floor. It sees 18 months of barrel and renders light shadings of tobacco and white pepper. The finish is long and crisp with lively menthol notes on the close. Drink: 2016-2024. Owned by the Stupino family, Castello di Neive includes 60 hectares of vines in the Neive township. The family purchased the castle and their flagship Santo Stefano vineyard holdings back in 1964. Importer: Winebow Inc., www.winebow.com

Spicy, this shows black pepper and underbrush flavors, coming off stiff and astringent. Best from 2015 through 2023. 1,660 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add