The Sottimano 2018 Barbaresco Basarin shows tart cherry fruit and plum backed by lovely layers of crushed mineral, iron ore, spice and crushed flowers. The wine reveals an inner brightness or tartness that tastes terrific next the more nuanced character of the Nebbiolo grape. Basarin shows power and elegance in equal measure, and that is never an easy feat for any winemaker to accomplish. Production is limited to 5,500 bottles.- ML

The Sottimano family’s Basarin plot sits near the top of the hill on a south/southwest-facing slope. Its vines yielded a firmly structured wine in 2018 that is initially dark and brooding, requiring a few hours of air to unfold with juicy red- and black-cherry tones that buzz with warm spice notes. The wine seems to gain energy on the long and balanced finish, indicating good cellaring potential.

Balsamic aromas of camphor mingle with earthy whiffs of forest floor, new leather, cedar and wild berries on this elegant, full-bodied red. The tight, linear palate is delicious and loaded with personality, delivering ripe Morello cherry, mocha, licorice and an earthy note of truffle framed in firm, fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it well-balanced. Drink 2026–2038. KERIN O’KEEFE

The 2018 Barbaresco Basarin is a very pretty, classy wine. Dark red cherry, pomegranate, flowers and licorice notes are all nicely lifted. An elegant, supple wine, the Basarin will drink well with minimal cellaring. The purity of the fruit is striking. Readers will find a wine of total elegance and class. This is a stellar showing. - By Antonio Galloni on September 2021

Located in the southeast of Neive, the 2018 Barbaresco Basarin has spiced aromatics of tobacco, confected cherry, and anise. The palate is lifted with tangy cranberry, dried violets, and clove spice, and fine tannins emerge on the finish. Drink 2022-2036.

Steeped plum, cherry, eucalyptus, tar and mineral flavors are backed by beefy tannins in this streamlined red. A core of ripe fruit plies the middle, before the tannins exert their grip on the finish. Muscular, yet balanced and long. Best from 2025 through 2043. 1,083 cases made, 350 cases imported. — BS