This wine shows the power of nebbiolo grown in the clay-rich soils of Monforte d’Alba. Its tannins are dense and ferrous, providing a cool embrace for the fresh red-cherry flavors. Hints of juniper, licorice and thyme weave through the wine as it gains brightness and verve on the finish, indicating good aging potential.
93 points, Wine & Spirits (Dec 2022)
Velvety in texture, evoking macerated plum, cherry, menthol, iron, tar and toasty spice flavors. This red is firm, yet the tannins are civilized, and it ultimately turns dusty in the end. Best from 2025 through 2040. 1,600 cases made, 100 cases imported.
92 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Dec 2022)
I like the bright, fruity character to this young Barolo. Plenty of red and black berries, together with citrus-tinged spice. Medium to full body with fine tannins that are sinking nicely into the wine, allowing the bright fruit to push through. Nice to taste now and will start to drink well from 2024.
92 points, James Suckling (Oct 2022)
The 2018 Barolo Riva del Bric (with 20,000 bottles released) shows mature fruit with dried cherry and baked plum. The wine also exhibits a good amount of spice and tarry leather, giving it extra heft and concentration. There's some bitterness too, with a hint of astringency on the rigid, young tannins that need more time to relax. The high 15% alcohol content is unfortunate, but it's common in this vintage.
91 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jun 2022)