Antinori - Prunotto : Bric Turot 2020

One of the historic wines made by the Marchesi Antinori-owned Prunotto (with a winery outside of Alba), this is a lean and streamlined expression with mild aromas of dried cherry and redcurrant. The bouquet comes off as rather simple, although there are some spices and savory tones to add depth. I find this wine to be rather one-dimensional and stripped-down in terms of mouthfeel. It offers a good portrait of Nebbiolo but with only some of the magic. Production is 25,000 bottles.

This red delivers sufficient cherry, strawberry and hibiscus flavors, augmented by eucalyptus and grassy notes. Turns leaner and firmer on the finish, where sanguine and iron accents add detail. Graceful and multifaceted. Best from 2026 through 2042. 210 cases imported.

Full of restraint, liquorice, dill, blood orange, this is intensely floral, showing vibrant fruit such as strawberry and orange. A lot of volume here. Lively freshness up to the finish, and firm, muscular tannins which are youthful, dusty yet ripe. A graceful classic for the long haul. Bric Turot is a single vineyard with both southeast and southwest exposition in the Pertinace area. The wine is fermented for 10 days at a maximum of 30°C. It ages in 56-hectolitre botti grandi for 18 months.

Crunchy and fruity with very fine tannins and bright raspberry, cherry and spice aromas and flavors. Makes you want to drink it now but it should age nicely. Citrus at the end. Drinkable but better in three or four years.

The 2020 Barbaresco Bric Turot is one of the most elegant wines I have tasted from Prunotto of late. Medium-bodied yet quite layered, with terrific freshness, the 2020 impresses with its stature and fine balance. In the best Barbaresco tradition, Bric Turot offers tremendous flavor intensity without any excess. Spice, crushed flowers, leather, cedar, menthol and crushed rocks linger on the persistent finish.

Focused aromas of wild strawberry and raspberry combined with fresh bay leaf, wildflowers and sandalwood rise from the glass of this serious wine. Flavors of cranberry and tart cherry pop off the vibrant palate with notes of leather and tea finishing with supple tannins and a persistent minerality. Drink 2028–2040.