2011 Barbaresco

La Ca' Nova's 2011 Barbaresco is a gorgeous, powerful wine, and a great introduction to the house style. Dried rose petal, mint, crushed flowers, tobacco and savory herbs all blossom in the glass. Big, rich and ample on the palate, the 2011 boasts power and depth to burn. Hints of orange peel, white pepper and star anise add an exotic flair on the finish. The Barbaresco is a blend of fruit from Montefico, Montestefano and Ovello, all of which are clustered together on the northern side of town.

I liked the 2010 edition of this wine, but the 2011 Barbaresco is slightly awkward with toasted notes of burnt almond shell and baked spice that are very evident. These will definitely integrate with time but I-m not sure they will ever fully disappear. In fact, the wine-s fruit component is moderate at best and its structure is thin and compact. The 2011 vintage seems to lack the heft needed to flesh out further. Drink: 2015-2022. Importer: Weygandt-Metzler Importing, www.weygandtmetzler.com