2005 Barbaresco DOCG Rio Sordo, Piedmont, Italy

Slightly oxidative nose with some old oak, ripe, partly dried, partly preserved red berries, wilted flowers and leaves, hint of leeks. Quite full-bodied, slightly diffuse fruit, vegetal notes and old oak, fairly prominent fine sandy and slightly astringent, predominantly mature tannins, light spice, good persistence, noticeable alcohol, good finish.

Best to drink: Bis 2013+. What our ratings mean