The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo pours a jeweled ruby hue, slightly deeper than the Pora, and shows an inviting nose of framboise, wet river stones, lavender, and small purple flowers. Medium-bodied, it reveals bright red fruit and cranberry notes with well-defined tannins and a mouthwatering granular texture. The oak sits more in the background here compared to the Pora. Roughly 13,333 bottles were produced. Drink 2027-2057.

Eucalyptus, dark spice, dark-skinned berry, iris, camphor and leather aromas come to the forefront on the vividly fragrant 2021 Rio Sordo Riserva from Produttori del Barbaresco. Showing the great intensity that’s a hallmark of the outstanding vintage, the structured palate offers ripe cherry, wild strawberry, orange zest, hazelnut and dark culinary spice alongside firm, well-integrated tannins while fresh acidity keeps it balanced.

The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo marries finesse and power. Open-knit aromatics make a strong first impression. Layered and resonant in the glass, with tons of supporting structure, the Rio Sordo is going to need a few years to come into its own. Crushed rose petal, cedar, spice and tobacco lend notable finesse. The 2021 needs time, but it's got the goods. The explosive, aromatic finish is sublime. - Antonio Galloni, October 2025

Dense and even square-shouldered, with a smoldering inner core of black cherry and blackberry fruit shaded by iron and underbrush flavors. Fresh and harmonious despite a swath of broad tannins on the finish, which goes on and on. Best from 2029 through 2047.

Dark and floral, showing aromas of potpourri combined with dried cherries, tangy pomegranate and a bit of earthy minerality. Almost supple, with medium to full body and a savory palate of candied orange peel. Firm tannins are dusty yet ripe, with refreshing acidity. March 2026 release. Drink or hold. Aldo Fiordelli Senior Editor

The Produttori del Barbaresco 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is a wine of finesse and measured restraint with a playful and accessible personality. Rio Sordo generally falls among the more delicate and lighter-weight wines in this collection of nine Riservas, often occupying a comfortable middle ground in the tasting lineup. The 2021 vintage underscores those qualities with elegant fruit, graceful structure and a sense of effortless balance. Silky tannins frame a medium- to full-bodied texture, giving the wine extra polish. Sourced from 4.5 hectares of limestone soils, this release was fermented in stainless steel and aged in large oak botti, with a production of 13,300 bottles. Rio Sordo may not seek power, but it delivers charm and remarkable drinkability.