This is Cascina delle Rose's other single-vineyard wine from a second nearby site in the village of Barbaresco. The 2020 Barbaresco Rio Sordo is slightly more linear and streamlined compared to the Tre Stelle in this vintage. That wine felt more immediate to me, but the Rio Sordo feels more long-term thanks to elegant fruit, crushed stone and sweet licorice aromas it offers. Production is 3,500 bottles.

The 2020 Barbaresco Rio Sordo is quite a bit more reticent than the Tre Stelle. Bright acids and insistent tannins cut through a core of dark-fleshed fruit. There's a feeling of youthful austerity that renders this super classic in feel. The 2020 is going to need some time to come together, but it is super impressive. I especially admire the translucent energy here.