Beautiful aromas of plums and violets with some flint. Full-bodied. Layered and softly chewy. Meat, berry and hints of cedar and nutmeg. Flavorful finish. Solid and very together with a softness at the back of the palate. Drink in 2026 and beyond.

The La Spinetta 2019 Barbaresco Starderi Vürsù is perfumed and bright with dark rose and wild plum. The wine is solid and dense, with a pretty presentation of fruit that feels healthy and crunchy at the same time. The tannins are well integrated into this structured, full-bodied Barbaresco. The Starderi has shown a very consistent performance over the years. These releases from La Spinetta are all packaged in big, heavy glass bottles.- ML

The 2019 Barbaresco Vigneto Starderi is terrific. Vertical and focused, the Starderi impresses with its energy, cut and drive. There's perhaps a bit less heft than in most years, but that is not a bad thing. Dark red cherry, raspberry, lavender and sage lend quite a bit of complexity to this substantial Barbaresco from La Spinetta. It will be interesting to see if the 2019 fleshes out with bottle age.

A powerful red, yet well-defined too, with strawberry, cherry, floral, mineral and tobacco aromas and flavors aligned to a muscular structure. Feels balanced overall, yet will take a few years to fully integrate. Best from 2026 through 2045. 580 cases made, 45 cases imported.