"Sottimanos 2020 beguiling Basarin opens with heady aromas recalling baked plum, dark chocolate, pipe tobacco and graphite. Its absolutely delicious, delivering ripe Morello cherry, raspberry compote, mocha and blood orange before a saline mineral close. Polished tannins give it a velvety texture while the barest hint of game lends depth to the finish. Drink 20262035. Abv: 14.5% Kerin OKeefe April 2023"

The 2020 Barbaresco Basarin is a wine of pure and total sensuality. For a just bottled, young Barbaresco, the Basarin possesses magnificent balance. A burst of dark red fruit, spice, rose petal, mint and blood orange hits the palate, followed by a good kick of Nebbiolo acid and tannin. Readers have to be patient. This heady, explosive Barbaresco is shaping up to be a gem.

A generous sweet perfume of pressed violets, ripe cherry, cinnamon, and incense emerges from the 2020 Barbaresco Basarin. The tannins are more giving here, and its fruit expands through the palate, with refreshing acidity and wonderful balance and purity. It is drinking well now and will continue to improve over the coming 10-15 years.