2017 La Spinetta Rivetti, Starderi - Barbaresco - 6 Bottles (0.75L)

International Critics' Scores
96/100 James Suckling: "Dense and tight, with layers of forest fruits, dried orange peel, flesh and chocolate, yet so refined and complex. Fleshy in body, with firm tannins."
94/100 Robert Parker (Wine Advocate): "La Spinetta's Barbaresco Starderi Vürsù 2017 stands out for grace and elegance in this vintage. You perceive an extraordinary richness of fruit and concentration, the fruit of vines aged 55-65 years."
94/100 Vinous (Antonio Galloni): "Bold, lush, and immensely enjoyable. Petals of rose, mint, and a touch of new French oak embellish the finish."
A muscular yet refined masterpiece from the most prestigious cru of Neive
On the market a magnificent bottle of Barbaresco Vürsù "Starderi" 2017 from the iconic La Spinetta winery (Rivetti brothers). Widely recognized worldwide for its famous label with the Albrecht Dürer rhinoceros, La Spinetta represents the excellence of modern Piedmontese viticulture.
The Starderi vineyard, located in the municipality of Neive at 230 meters above sea level, is renowned for its blueish calcareous marls soils and for its exceptionally old vines (between 55 and 65 years). This unique terroir gives the Nebbiolo grape structural power and muscular depth that magnificently contrast with the typical elegance of Barbaresco.
The vintage 2017 and vinification:
Despite a hot and demanding summer that drastically reduced yields, Spinetta’s meticulous selection at the sorting table gave rise to a vintage characterized by magnificent concentration, depth, and immediate aromatic richness. The wine aged for 19 months in French oak barriques (of which 30% new) and completed its maturation with 7 months of bottle aging before release.
Tasting notes:
Color: Deep ruby red with subtle garnet reflections.
Nose: An explosive bouquet of ripe forest strawberries, dried plums and blackberries, perfectly integrated with complex layers of nutmeg, tobacco leaf, balsamic glaze, cacao, and a hint of ash.
Palate: Full-bodied, dense and compact. The velvety richness of the fruit is supported by powerful, gripping yet sophisticated tannins, and by a vibrant energy that leads to a long, mineral finish, highlighted by toasted orange zest.
Why bid on this lot?
With a total production of only 14,500 bottles, Starderi 2017 is a rare and highly collectible bottle. It has now entered the ideal drinking window, but it possesses the structure to evolve magnificently in a professional cellar for the next 10–15 years. An indispensable piece for any serious collector of great Italian wines.