Castello di Neive, Albesani Santo Stefano Barbaresco 2019

97 points Wine Enthusiast
"Fragrant and refined, this compelling red has aromas of woodland berry, ground pepper, camphor and tilled earth. Full-bodied and structured, the youthfully tense palate features ripe red cherry, pomegranate, star anise and ground nutmeg. Tight, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity provide support and energy. It shows great aging potential. Drink 2029–2039." *Cellar Selection*

94 points Decanter
"The combination of the clay-rich soil in the lower part of Vigna Santo Stefano in the Albesani MGA seems to have enhanced the density and the refinement of this Barbaresco. Elegant and restrained with smoky woodland and coffee grounds to the fore, then an amazing wild strawberry, savoury rhubarb and olive-like umami character. The attack is firm, with chewy acidity and velvety tannins. Great mid-palate extraction shows this is intended for the long haul. It doesn't lack tension either, and will keep going strong for decades."

Jancis Robinson
"Neive. Palish ruby. Lifted, perfumed, ripe raspberry. Gorgeous, expressive raspberry fruit of great purity. Bags of chewy tannins complementing the fruit. Conveys a sense of lightness. 18/20 points. (WS)"

Vinous Reverie Notes
The Barbaresco Santo Stefano is the result of an ethereal combination of the ideal terroir with the perfectly-suited Nebbiolo grape. This wine shows all the characteristic elegance of Barbaresco with the complexity and richness for which Santo Stefano is known. The Nebbiolo grapes for this wine are grown in the Albesani sub-appellation inside Barbaresco, in the single vineyard of Santo Stefano, which is owned entirely by Castello di Neive. Tasting Notes: Deep garnet in color, intoxicating aromas of purple fruits and wild flowers are underscored by notes of cherries, roses, and baking spices. On the palate, it is elegant, with a long spicy finish. This wine manages to be weightless and intoxicating at the same time. Food Pairing: Pairs well with slow-roasted beef, demi-glaces, grilled pork and apples, and Beef Wellington.