Grimaldi

Barbaresco 'Manzola' 2019

93

**Editor’s Choice** The stunning nose offers iris, cedar, new leather and Asian spice. It's linear and youthfully tight, exhibiting ripe red cherry, orange zest, star anise and earthy hints of truffle and game set against a backbone of fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it well balanced. Drink 2025–2034.

Grimaldi

Barbaresco 'Manzola' 2019

93

I have little experience with this producer, but hope to change that during my next visit to the regions around Alba. This is exemplary Barbaresco from the Manzola Cru, showing a wonderful mix of sweet-seeming ripe, mostly red fruit notes recalling dried cherries and wild strawberries along with subtle spice notes and prominent savory undertones. There’s a lot of grippy tannins in the wine, but the strong streak of sweetness easily counterbalances them, and it also balances out a pleasant little bite of bitterness in the finish. Already terrific with food (as simple as a nice cheese or a roast chicken), this could nevertheless be cellared to its advantage for at least five years. This is terrific for $42.

Grimaldi

Barbaresco 'Manzola' 2019

89

Ruby in color, the 2019 Barbaresco Manzola is lifted with spicy aromatics out of the gate, with notes of dried cranberries, nutmeg, anise, and dried earth. Midweight and lean on the palate, it’s straightforward style closes cleanly, if not a bit short, offering fine tannins and a lightly dusty finish with notes of orange pith. It’s a charming wine to drink over the next 3-4 years.