Albino Rocca Barbaresco Ronchi 2018

This celebrated, limestone-rich, Barbaresco Cru runs along the southern belt of the appellation, near the town itself. The Rocca cellars are located just above this southeast-facing vineyard—one of the reasons the site has become synonymous with the name Albino Rocca. Ronchi is also the oldest and largest holding of the estate, extending to almost six hectares (three of Nebbiolo)—roughly a third of the total area of the Cru. With Rocca’s Nebbiolo vines now aged between 50 and 70 years, this is a vineyard that offers an ideal combination of vine age, deep clay and limestone soils, and south-east exposure.

“With fruit from the village of Barbaresco, this wine shows a broad and more wide-sweeping approach to the bouquet. The Albino Rocca 2018 Barbaresco Ronchi offers cassis and wild rose with a more etched tone of crushed stone at the back. Its overall performance remains quite elegant, but I can't help but notice the extra momentum and power on offer here. This was a release of about 8,000 bottles.” 94 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

“The 2018 Barbaresco Ronchi is another gorgeous wine in this lineup from Rocca. As always, the Ronchi is a Barbaresco of breadth and power. In 2018, those qualities are expressed in a decidedly understated manner. Wild cherry, plum, sage, tobacco and menthol are all kicked up in this super-expressive Barbaresco. Hints of orange peel, spice, star anise and sweet pipe tobacco grace the layered, exquisite finish.” 95 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous