The 2000 Barbaresco Il Bricco is quite a bit firmer and fresher than the regular bottling. Sweet herbs, tobacco, red berries and licorice take shape in the glass nicely. Much of the baby fat has melted away and the wine is slowly entering its early tertiary period. Round, suave tannins add to an impression of elegance. The Bricco will hold for a number of years, although I don’t expect to see a material improvement in the wine. Still, this is a very strong effort. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2020. Pio Cesare’s 2000s have matured gracefully, although they appear to have limited upside from here.

The 2000 Barbaresco Il Bricco, made from a proprietary vineyard in Treiso, is sterner stuff, darker in color, more expressive on the nose with expansive aromas of herbs, tobacco, and plums, and the concentration and weight are significantly higher than the regular bottling. Drink: 2006-2014. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

Ripe and rich Barbaresco with loads of velvety tannins, toasted oak and ripe fruit. Full-bodied, round and unctuous. Hard to resist now but will age very well indeed. Best after 2006. 520 cases made, 180 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add