My 2nd Nebbiolo based wine. You know, those who draw some parallels with Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir aren’t crazy afterall. Obviously I have a small sample size, but it seems that the aromatics and mouth feel (aside from the tannins) have similarities with pinot. My wallet will take a beating “investigating” this further…
2005 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco- Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco (4/18/2010)
Opened at 57.6 degF. Poured off half for Day2 drinking. Left to aerate and warm up for ~1.5hr. Ripe, strawberry liqueur are readily apparent along with cedar. In the mouth there are nice acids with medium weight red fruits that are accompanied with a layer of fine but very grippy tannins, but there is good precision in the elements leading to a juicy finish.
Although not bad, 2005 isn’t the best vintage for Produttori’s Barbaresco. See if you can find the 2008 Langhe Nebbiolo from Produttori – it’s less expensive and better.
So psyched you liked Produttori’s 2005-you should definitely check out their 2006 entry Barbaresco! More complete a mouthfeel, still a little young, but with decanting, delivers a more powerful (and poignant) old world impression: earth-based herb and flint that lifts the weightier (than the 05), polished fruit flavors.
While I definitely enjoy the '08 Nebbiolo Langhe (and liked the '07 & '06 as well), I am in disagreement with Claude’s take on its superiority to the '05 Normale. Still, both are eminently drinkable wines, and with the rather modest tariff for either, two wines to try side-by-side to decide for yourself. I think somebody already mentioned it, but the '06 Normale is also a very nice Neb for the money.
I have had it a couple of times, and it has shown well whereas the 99 Riservas have remained very unyielding. However I don’t seem to have any in the cellar. Hrmm, dilemma!
Josh, when was the last time you tried a '99 riserva? I’ve been thinking about checking one out, although I have to admit, the youth the '01 Montestefano showed this past weekend has me thinking 2nd thoughts about my idea.