Orlando Abrigo Barbaresco Montersino 2011

Had this at Armando Al Pantheon in Rome, which was easily the biggest food disappointment of the trip (overcooked food and surly service). Even had the somm tell me that they ‘only stock producers who use big botte’, even though this is matured exclusively in small barrique…

Anyway, quality wine regardless. Indeed it’s rather mid-weight style that carefully balances the warm vintage faintly dried fruit that with a certain elegance and delicacy. Red cherry and almond before a little prune juice – enriched by 20% new oak – and then a firmly tannic backbone. Real sandy tannins here. A style that grows on you – at first it seems a little plump, but the closer you look the more you appreciate the great shape here.

Nice wine and already in a good place. Best drinking: 2017-2030. 14.5%, €56 on the list). 18/20, 93/100. Would I buy it? Sure would it’s everything you’d want in an ’11 Barbaresco.