The 2012 Barbaresco Marcarini delivers austerity, thickness and good aromatic intensity to boot. The bouquet presents broad aromas of dark fruit, black truffle, potting soil and moist chewing tobacco. This Nebbiolo offers muscle and power.

The 2007 Barbaresco Marcarini is a shade weightier and richer than the Valgrande in its dark cherries, minerals, menthol, tar, new leather and cloves. This medium-bodied, vibrant Barbaresco possesses gorgeous depth and persistence, along with firm tannins that frame an exquisite finish. In this vintage I am struck by the detail and nuance in the Marcarini. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. Ca’ del Baio is an excellent source for juicy Barbarescos that can be enjoyed with a minimum of cellaring. Various American importers: Jan D’Amore Wines, Brooklyn, NY; tel. (917) 257-7994; Casa Bruno LLC, Portland, OR; tel. (503) 235-7429; Dolce e Dani LLC, Avon, CO.; caroline debbané selections T. 323.472.5242 | F. 323.472.5157

The 2006 Barbaresco Marcarini reveals greater sweetness and inner perfume than the Valgrande, with better balance between its fruit and structural components. Here the fruit is dark and riper, while the aromatics lean towards a balsamic expression of baking spices, menthol and resin. This is a very pretty Barbaresco from Ca’ del Baio, but the firm tannins will require a measure of patience. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. Proprietor Giulio Grasso makes his Barbarescos in a plump, juicy fruit-driven style. These 2006s don’t quite match the level of his 2004s and 2005s but they are nevertheless solid efforts in this vintage. Various American importers: Jan D’Amore Wines, Brooklyn, NY; tel. (917) 257-7994; Casa Bruno Llc, Portland, OR; tel. (503) 235-7429; Dolce e Dani Llc, Avon, CO.

Plenty of ripe fruit on the nose, from strawberry to cherry and mineral, leads to a full body, with silky tannins and a berry, light vanilla and green coffee bean aftertaste. Long and delicious. Best after 2011. 1,100 cases made, 450 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add