2005 Cantina del Pino, Barbaresco, Ovello 1x750ml

Vinous 94

The 2005 Barbaresco Ovello is a terrific example of the style of Barbaresco that emerges from this site. Linear and brisk, with salivating intensity throughout, the 2005 is sculpted and energetic to the core. Proprietor Renato Vacca nailed the vintage. This is a superb wine by any measure. [Antonio Galloni, 06/01/2016]

Anticipated maturity: 2016-2025

Robert Parker 95

The 2005 Barbaresco Ovello is another magnificent Barbaresco from Renato Vacca. The Ovello is decidedly more powerful and taut in its expression of red cherries, flowers, minerals, and menthol although it is just as compelling as the Albesani. The wine offers exceptional length and a long, powerful finish. The wine continues to improve in the glass, but it remains a decidedly energetic, youthful Barbaresco in need of significant cellaring. In a word: majestic. Ovello sees greater temperature fluctuations from day to night than Albesani. The microclimate, along with the poorer, white soils give the Ovello its signature focus and drive. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. My visit with proprietor Renato Vacca was illuminating, as we toured several vineyards during the 2009 harvest and tasted through a number of wines. This year, Vacca has a new Barbaresco from the Albesani vineyard ” and it is a knockout. Despite all of his recent success Vacca remains humble and down to earth, qualities that should serve him very well for the future. Readers should do whatever they can to taste these wines, the Barbarescos in particular. Vacca’s entry-level wines are equally delicious but they are made in an approachable style meant for near-term drinking, even if the raw materials suggest they could be crafted in a more serious vein. In today’s economy, though, it is hard to criticize a producer who makes wines that are so appealing when young, particularly at this quality level and price. Various American importers, including: Artisan Wine, Norwalk, CT; tel. (203) 866-4552; Cavatappi Distribution, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 282-5226; Diamond Wine Merchants, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 567-9897; Ideal Wine and Spirit Company Inc., Medford, MA; tel. (781) 395-3300 [31/10/2009]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025