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Vinous 93+ - Here in its first release, 2015 Barbaresco Cottà, shows the natural breadth of this vineyard in Neive. There has a real sense of weight and gravitas that distinguishes the Cottà in this range. I would give the 2015 at least a few years in bottle to fully come together. This is certainly an auspicious debut. The Cottà could very well be a new star in the range.

Wine Advocate 91 - The 2015 Barbaresco Cottà displays a subdued but steady personality. The bouquet is stitched carefully together with dried berries followed by balsam herb, rosemary sprig and cherry cola. There is an oxidative or slightly evolved note, but it is well massaged into the black fruit and spice that sits at the core of this Barbaresco from Neive. The mouthfeel is elegant and bright. This is the inaugural vintage by Albino Rocca. Some 2,000 bottles were produced.

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Wine Spectator 92 - Fruity and savory, this red evokes cherry, raspberry, wild thyme, rosemary and chalky mineral flavors. Tightens up on the finish, with assertive tannins. Best from 2023 through 2038.

Wine Advocate 88-90 - (Barrel Tasting) The 2016 Nuits Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes offers simple, slightly smudged redcurrant and strawberry fruit on the nose. More definition here would have been nice. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, moderate depth, the 100% whole bunch lending sous-bois/woodland notes toward the finish that finally delivers the complexity I would be seeking. I suspect that this will improve during the remainder of its élevage.

Burghound 87 - A discreet application of wood sets off equally somber aromas of herbal tea, spice, earth and plum liqueur. The succulent, round and impressively voluminous flavors exude a subtle minerality that adds a sense of lift to the mildly tough and austere if complex and lingering finish that flashes evident rusticity.

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Wine Advocate 94 - Touches of eucalyptus, balsam and rosemary essence add a delicate side to this pretty wine. The 2013 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Monte Ca' Bianca spends more time in the barrel than its siblings, and you can taste it. Menthol and black olive also make an appearance in this relatively cool vintage. This is a beautiful and classic interpretation with thick lines, long persistence and determination, giving the wine a gentle demeanor to accompany a spinach and speck risotto. The blend is 40% Corvina, 35% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella and 5% Oseleta, and the grapes see 100 days in the fruttaia to become raisins.

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