2014 Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico Riserva Barbaresco

Not widely known, yet highly sought after by the Barbaresco aficionados. It is often compared to the slightly larger and more famous Montestefano vineyard because of the similar soil (high calcium) and close proximity between the two. It lies half way between the regions of Montestefano and Ovello. Exposure is full South, therefore quite warm, but it is not unusual for Montefico to have brisk morning hours during the growing season because of the cooler northern wind that occasionally funnels in from the Tanaro River and into the narrow valley between the villages of Barbaresco and Neive. Austere when young and somehow less fleshy than Montestefano, it shows a beautiful mineral finish. It produces wines with the breed of any classic Barbaresco and with incredible complexity behind the tannins.

Other Reviews....
The 2014 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is another of the more inward, reticent wines in the range. A core of huge dark fruit virtually covers the beams of incisive tannin that are such a signature of this Barbaresco site. Dark red plum, chalk, cured meats, plum, iron, smoke, leather and licorice confer attractive elements of savoriness to this potent, structured Barbaresco.
96 Points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

The 2014 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico shows a darkly concentrated appearance and full-bodied appeal that is immediately obvious to all the senses, from eyes to nose to mouth. The wine is soft, round and thickly textured. I would have expected more acidity in these wines, but this vintage, at least, offers more sweet and dense fruit instead. You could taste it in its youth with a goose-liver pâté, or cellar it for a couple of years and see where it goes.
94 Points
Monica Larner - Wine Advocate #243 (Jun 2019)

Dark and brooding on the nose, exhibiting black cherry, earth, tar and iron flavors, this red shows assertive tannins yet comes together nicely on the finish. There's a touch of heat, but otherwise everything is in the right place. Best from 2022 through 2040.
94 Points
Wine Spectator

Ripe red fruit, almost jellied in intensity and scented with roses, liquorice, nutmeg and cinnamon, tea and sweet earth. Medium-bodied, plush and succulent, fine brick dust tannin, distinct mineral feel to the acidity, and taste, if there is such a thing. Iron and perfume mingle on a long precise finish. The warmer site has delivered a beautiful wine in 2014. Outstanding.
96 Points
The Wine Front - Gary Walsh