One of the Last Decade’s Great Barbaresco Riservas

In the world of collectible Italian wine, Santo Stefano is one of the most important Grand Cru sites to know. Bruno Giacosa once remarked I would recognize wine from the Santo Stefano vineyard in the midst of tens of other Barbaresco wines.

For four decades, Giacosa acted as Santo Stefanos guardian, alchemizing its grapes into $300+ vineyard-designate Barbarescos. But about a decade ago, the Stupino familyowners of Santo Stefano and the Castello di Neive wineryreclaimed the grapes for themselves. Since then, theyve been on one of the hottest streaks in Italy.

In the spectacular 2016 vintage, they produced one of the top-rated Cellar Selection Riservas of the last decade, from Santo Stefano. Wine Enthusiast critic Kerin OKeefethe Italian-wine expert who literally wrote the defining book on Barolo and Barbarescoawarded it 96 points and Cellar Selection honors.

Now showing eight years of age, this is a meditative, majestic Barbaresco that encourages you to slow down and take your time. Its super aromatic, with an open-knit palate, graceful tannins that are just starting to soften, and a remarkable finish with lingering notes of black truffle, espresso, and violets.

Only 600 cases were made, only 100 were imported, and weve got it for 21% off, the best price in the US.

When the Stupinos acquired their property in the Albesani subzone in 1964, less than a quarter of it was planted. The rest of the land was wild. Yet all the hallmarks of incredible Nebbiolo conditions were there: the south-southwest exposure, which enables ideal phenolic ripening; the water-retaining quality of the clay soils, which safeguards the vines against heat stress; and the moderating influence of the Tanaro River, which helps create a microclimate perfect for the delicate, Pinot Noir-like grape.

Many of the vines date back to the 1960s and 70s, leading to low yields and a distinctive blend of concentration and elegance. The wine is great now, but theres no hurry, and waiting a little longer is bound to pay off big time. Celebrate it with a luxurious white-truffle linguine, a decadent grilled cheese and truffle sandwich, or braise some short ribs and start decanting the bottle when you slide your Le Creuset into the oven.

Medium garnet with fading edges. A mix of savory herbs, wildflowers, and bright red cherries on the nose. The palate is open-knit and gives loads of spiced cranberry, plum, worn leather, preserved orange peel, and dark cocoa. The texture is smooth and full, with graceful tannins that are just starting to soften. A remarkable finish with lingering black truffle, espresso, and violet notes. Drink now2045.

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