Barbaresco 2008 Conclusions

Having done all three of the Barbaresco tavolas I’ve started to think about the conclusions that can be drawn about the vintage. Although to really get a proper feel one would need to conduct the tasting again in five years or so. But in the mean time, 2008 has had challenging conditions for the growers but certainly nothing that could not have been overcome judging by the outstanding wines I have tried.

That said there have been a range of solutions offered in the resulting wines. Of the tastings I would have to say that only around half were to my preferred taste which is the more the aromatic flowers, fruit a bit of tar a little oak maybe and damn the colour. Whilst a good number were heavy on the oak they will more than likely come round quite quickly as the strength on Nebbiolo is hard to contain!

But I think the key aspect for this vintage is the influence of the producer. Not being the most powerful year, I believe the wines display the skill of the viticulturist (and all the vineyard workers) and the winemaker.

In addition to the Barbaresco Tavola’s I have had the opportunity to try quite a few reserve wines from single vineyards and Cru’s that are quite spectacular. Many of these wines remain as yet unbotted or unreleased but are quite stunning. The Marchesi di Gresy has couple of stunners as do a number of other producers.

The key here is to taste the wines before you stock up, but I doubt the Barbaresco fan will be disappointed.