Castello di Neive ranks among the very best producers in the Barbaresco appellation, and its 25 hectares of vines are an all-star list of the region’s finest vineyards. From sites such as Basarin, Gallina, Santo Stefano, and Valtorta, they produce traditional wines with beautiful freshness and transparency.

VM94+: Deceptively medium in body, the 2021 Barbaresco Albesani Santo Stefano packs a pretty serious punch. Readers should plan on cellaring this for at least a few years, as it needs time to come into its own. Bright acids and beams of supporting tannin shape this classy yet reticent Barbaresco.

JD94: A medium ruby/red hue, the 2021 Barbaresco Santo Stefano is ripe with a lovely perfume of wild strawberries, crushed roses, bergamot, and clove. Very nicely styled as well, it’s medium-bodied and has ripe tannins and good concentration. It’s elegant red with noble structure, but at the same time, it’s weightless and very well done.