- 97 points -

The 2016 Barbaresco Masseria is without question one of the wines of the vintage. Powerful and explosive with stunning lift, the 2016 is just gorgeous. Dried flowers, mint, blood orange, red cherry and chalk infuse the 2016 with striking layers of nuance, but it is the wine's balance and total sense of harmony that leave the deepest impression. Vivid, powerful and wonderfully alive in the glass, the Masseria will thrill readers lucky enough to own it. The 2016 is such a stunning wine. The Masseria is a blend of several sites built around a core of fruit from Giaccone, in Treiso, along with Pora and Faset, both in Barbaresco. All I can say is: Wow!

- 96 points -

The 2016 Barbaresco Masseria represents its own chapter in the volumes of wines that make up the Vietti portfolio. Masseria is always delicate and fine, and this is even more true in a classic vintage such as this. This wine has historically seen its fruit come from the Neive subzone of the Barbaresco appellation, and you'll notice some of the tightly polished and glossy tannins that are associated with this area. In fact, the wine is deceiving in that it starts off slowly, but it quickly amasses power and momentum on the mid-palate. Production is 3,479 bottles and 300 magnums. This is standout vintage of Vietti's Barbaresco Masseria.

This is the finest, most complete set of wines I have ever tasted from Vietti. Congratulations.

- 95 points -

Produced since 1967, Masseria brings together fruit from Pora, Faset, Paje' and Montaribaldi in the township of Barbaresco, as well as Giacone in Treiso. Like Vietti's Barolos, it spends a lengthy 30 months in large casks. Pristine, precise and pure, the 2016 rings out with pronounced mint, white pepper and rose. Still tightly wound, this is tactile and chalky but above all elegant. Long, luscious tannins are seamlessly integrated and the finish bursts with lovely red currants and pomegranate.

- 94 points -

So much fruit here with dried-strawberry, floral and citrus aromas. Full-bodied with very integrated tannins that are polished and dusty, yet chewy and fine. Dry earth and berry at the end. Becomes shy and reserved. Let it open. Drink after 2024.

- 94 points -

Mushrooms and juicy fruit with chewy yet ripe tannins. Medium to full body. Flavorful finish. Shows richness and balance. Really fine tannins. Try after 2022.

- 93 points -

A release of 5,193 bottles, the Vietti 2017 Barbaresco Masseria opens to a spicy bouquet with a subtle point of white pepper or dried ginger that hovers over the bouquet, albeit briefly. At its core, the wine shows bright berry notes and some plum, although the wine's concentration remains finely etched and elegantly streamlined, overall. I do find the tannins to be a little dry and dusty in this hot-vintage release.

- 93 points -

The 2006 Barbaresco Masseria is focused and energetic in its ripe red fruits, menthol, spices and minerals. There is lovely depth in the glass, not to mention tons of balance. This is a beautiful, poised Barbaresco from Vietti. The Masseria will require considerable patience but its balance is impeccable. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Vietti’s commitment to quality across their entire range is commendable. I can’t think of too many estates that can match Vietti for the number of utterly delicious bottlings that emerge from these cellars in Castiglione Falletto. Both 2006 and 2007 are highly successful vintages for the estate’s Barberas. In recent years Vietti has moved towards a greater use of large, neutral oak for their Barberas and, as these wines amply show, the results are striking. These pure Barberas are exceptional from top to bottom, and even better, they are utterly divine at the dinner table.

- 92 points -

Good deep red. Medicinal cherry and violet on the nose, with a hint of nuts. Sweet and fresh, with excellent inner-mouth energy and floral lift. But this also boasts an opulent texture, with the sweet tannins arriving late. I find this softer than the 2005 version, but again these tannins reminded me of a Barolo.

- 90 points -

Pure blackberry and lavender on the nose. Full-bodied, with silky tannins, a pretty core of ripe fruits and chewy, fruit-coated tannins. Leaner than the 2005, but excellent all the same. Best after 2011. 450 cases made, 185 cases imported. — JS