Joel Lara

9.1

I had high expectations for this wine. Had the 2017 San Lorenzo a few months back, and it was at a really good place, so I was thinking this wine would show well too. Unfortunately, the Monvigliero is really disjointed right now. I decanted for three hours, and after the decant it was closed off. After a lot of air in the glass, it did seem to open a bit. The flavor profile reminded me of the San Lorenzo, with nice dark cherry, spice, and balsamic flavors coming through. It had good depth on the palate with a nice, autumn spice finish. But then the tannin monster decided it wanted to ruin the party. After a while the tannins seemed to completely dominate the palate and finish. Perhaps if it was paired with a more robust dish the tannins would soften a bit? I had it with a traditional bolognese, and the tannins were over the top. I saw glimpses of tastiness, so rating this at a 9.1, and I’m thinking the tannins will soften further in a few years. I left a glass worth in bottle for day 2 to see how it develops. At day 1 though it’s definitely not at a good place. Day 2 update: Had the final glass, which I had kept in the bottle rather than decant. Some interesting new notes of violets and white pepper that I didn’t notice yesterday. After the first few sips all seemed good, except perhaps the wine was somewhat closed. Then the tannins took over, and they started to completely dominate. There were also some mineral/iron notes that seemed to exacerbate the bitter astringency. — 7 days ago

Thy Guiley

9.0

Drank the 2015 vintage - smooth tannins but still hold on some nice fruity notes — 5 months ago

with Thien and Keelan

Zita hunt

9.1

Great flavor, aeration shows off spices — 8 days ago

Cheyenne Jaime

9.2

Great with beef stew. Cuts through fatty foods really well and brings a lovely smoothness out of the wine. On its own, it can lean towards vinegary, but I liked it either way tbh — 2 months ago

Steven Heydemann

9.2

2016. Delicious. Needs a good decant to shine. — 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Barba – i Vasari “Old Vines” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC – 2022
Abruzzo, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
From one of Abruzzo’s most respected family producers, the Barba i Vasari Old Vines embodies the soulful depth of mature Montepulciano vineyards. Crafted from low-yielding old vines rooted in clay-limestone soils, this DOC wine bridges intensity and elegance, a fine showcase of what Abruzzo can achieve when tradition meets restraint.

Aromas & Flavors
Dark cherries, black plum, and crushed violets lead the way, followed by nuances of black pepper, cocoa, and a touch of sweet tobacco. Hints of dried herbs and vanilla complete the aromatic frame.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied, silky in texture yet structured with supple tannins. There’s a satisfying balance between ripe dark fruit and savory spice, culminating in a long, refined finish.

Food Pairings
Perfect with lasagna alla bolognese, grilled lamb chops, wild mushroom risotto, or aged pecorino.

Verdict
A beautiful expression of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, intense yet approachable, generous but never overbearing. Old vines deliver concentration and charm in equal measure. Cheers!

Did You Know?
The “i Vasari” vineyards trace their origins to the 1700s and sit near Pescara, between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennines. This position brings cool coastal breezes that preserve acidity even in warmer years.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A deliciously balanced Montepulciano that delivers both depth and drinkability. A genuine Italian gem I’d pour confidently for any gathering of Italian wine lovers. — 5 months ago

Rodney Miller

9.4

Beautiful wine with good fruit and sweet tannins. It’s a baby with a very long life and has improved throughout the night — 22 days ago

Joel Lara

9.4

This is showing beautifully right now, with a beguiling blend of orange peel, cassis, and anise aromas that carry over to the palate, where black cherries, balsamic notes, and a delicate mix of earthy autumnal spices provide a sensuous background. Soft mouthfeel with fine tannins that peek out a bit on the long finish, where the spiced citrus seems to last forever. Paired perfectly with pan-roasted wild mushrooms and dry-aged ribeye. — 2 months ago

Marco Rino

9.1

Tannino totalmente evoluto, molto elegante, non molto lungo — 4 months ago

Peter Sultan

8.9

Very smooth Barbera w heft. Well made. — 5 months ago