The 2021 Sottimano Barbaresco Fausoni, made from Nebbiolo grapes, hails from the renowned Piedmont region in Italy, specifically the Barbaresco sub-region. This red wine exhibits all the hallmarks of classic Nebbiolo, combining traditional characteristics with a hint of modern flair.
Vinous reviewer Antonio Galloni awarded the wine an impressive 96+ points, describing it as "a wine for readers who appreciate the more linear, old-school style of Nebbiolo." Galloni noted a variety of flavors including "chalk, white pepper, mint, tobacco, cedar, blood orange, and sweet red cherry fruit" that "all race across the palate." He emphasized that while the 2021 vintage won't be ready for immediate consumption, it is poised to become "an absolutely stellar wine in the making."
Wine Enthusiast's Jeff Porter echoed these sentiments with a near-equally high score of 95 points. He described a complex array of aromas and flavors, stating, "Incense, warmed spices, and licorice root dance with savory herbs and dried rose, compelling a double take of this Barbaresco." Porter's review also highlighted high-toned red berry fruits that support the "alluring savory and spice aromas," which lend the wine a mysterious accent. On the palate, he noted "mouthfilling richness" with flavors of "macerated black cherries, cracked pepper, crushed bay leaf, and dried porcini." According to Porter, the wine's initially assertive tannins soften over time, enhancing its elegance. He recommended a drinking window from 2026 to 2045.
In summary, the 2021 Sottimano Barbaresco Fausoni is a meticulously crafted wine that has garnered high praise from critics for its traditional yet complex profile. With a blend of savory, spicy, and fruity notes, this wine promises to evolve beautifully with age. Enthusiasts of classic Nebbiolo will find much to admire in this release from Sottimano.