2016 Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva Don Fiorino Barbaresco

Don Fiorino is a multi-vineyard Riserva blend from one of the Langhe's most important producer cooperatives, Produttori del Barbaresco. 50% of the grapes come from nine crus Produttori use in their single vineyard Riservas (Asili, Montefico, Montestefano, Muncagota, Ovello, Paje, Pora, Rabaja, Rio Sordo), with the remaining 50% coming from other important vineyards that normally go into their classic Barbaresco (Basarin, Cottà, Cole, Faset, San Cristoforo). Prior to this 2016, the last release of a Riserva blend was from another exalted vintage; 1990.

Other Reviews....
The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva is a multi-vineyard bottling from the Produttori that blends lots from the nine vineyards that are bottled separately (except the Asili and Pajè because of low production) along with other holdings such as Cottà and Faset that aren’t bottled separately. It is a powerful, tannic wine that is going to need a ton of time to come around. Intellectually, the idea of blending fruit from numerous sites is appealing. In reality, I am not sure the blend is better than the best vineyard designates in a great vintage such as 2016, but time will ultimately tell. The Produttori last made a multi-vineyard Riserva in 1990. Needless to say, it will be fascinating to see how this ages. Drink 2024-2036
94 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

Incredible aromas of white truffle, meat, wet earth, lightly burnt orange peel and pure fruit. Medium-bodied and very compact, with a block of silky tannins that run through the palate and then come out at the end with a gorgeous texture. It’s very drinkable now, but will age wonderfully. This is a special release. They never made a serious blended riserva in their history. Spring 2023 release. Drink or hold.
98 points
jamessuckling.com

The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva will be available later this spring. It is introspective at the moment. although it is concentrated with licorice, fresh black cherry, cedar, and black pepper. It is a more brooding wine but retains its style, with leather, red plum, and balsamic, and as it opens it shows more fresh apricot. It is going to be a wine to hold onto and or drink over the coming two to three decades.
98 points
Audrey Frick - jebdunnuck.com