From Legendary Cru Vineyard Drinking Like a Piemontese Dream
Bric Mentina vineyard is one of the most extraordinary Crus of Piedmont’s Barbaresco DOCG. Sited on the hilltop heart of the winemaking zone, its 30 to 35 year old vines with perfect exposure to sun and extremely limited yields produce a dazzling Barbaresco both rich and opulent, full-bodied and elegant. Wines from its hillsides are repeatedly rated 90+ points. Fifty years ago, Rosangela Clerici Riccadonna, one of Piedmont’s oldest wine-making families, founded Valfieri winery. Followers of Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines Of The Year are well-acquainted with their Piemontese gems that repeatedly showcase the greatness of signature grape Nebbiolo. Put these two peak performers together and Valfieri Bric Mentina Barbaresco 2005 is one of the most striking and sublime expressions of Piedmont’s beauty. It is drinking at a level that is seldom experienced except in decades aged-out Barbaresco. Deep ruby red, even garnet with orange highlights in colour, its bouquet hints of the wine’s rich, opulent body while delivering notes of dried roses and truffle. Bric Mentina’s low yields give the wine a full-bodied, ripe fruit elegance. The finish is balanced, majestic and vibrant. 2005 is an outstandingly strong vintage, 93 points Robert Parker and when we were tasted on the wine we had two thoughts, both of which made me shake my head. First, this is incredible wine, an enchanting example of what Cru Barbaresco grapes in the hands of legendary winemakers can be. Second, we can’t possibly bring this in at the proper price point. As you can see below, we batted .500. We were expecting easily $45-$65.

Tasting Notes : From storied Cru Barbaresco vineyard Bric Mentina's 30-35 year old vines. Grapes are basket-collected, taken immediately to cellar where they are pressed and de-stemmed. After alcoholic fermentation the wine is stored in temperature controlled steel vats to promote malolactic fermentation. Transferred to oak barrels in Spring, it is aged for at least 24 months, racke for 6 months in temp-controlled rooms. Deep ruby red, even garnet with orange highlights in colour, its bouquet hints of the wine's rich, opulent body while delivering notes of dried roses and truffle. Bric Mentina's low yields give the wine a full-bodied, ripe fruit elegance. The finish is balanced, majestic and vibrant.