The long, even growing season in 2016 yielded a beautifully floral and vibrant Barbaresco from Gaiun, the plots that border Asili on the western end of the Martinenga cru. This wine’s exuberant red cherry flavors rush across the palate, propelled by mouthwatering acidity as those flavors gain notes of orange peel, warm spice and a hint of vanilla. The wine’s elegant structure and impeccable balance indicate plenty of aging potential.

The 2020 Langhe Nebbiolo Martinenga is bright and effusive right out of the gate. Freshly cut flowers, mint, crushed red berries, chalk and white pepper give the Langhe Nebbiolo a super-appealing upper register. Because of the pandemic, the Nebbiolo was bottled later than usual, which may explain a feeling of nervousness I don't recall seeing in the past.

The plum and cherry fruit is accented by vanilla and toast notes in this firm, linear red. A compact, burly style, with dense, dusty tannins guarding the finish. Best from 2023 through 2037. 500 cases made, 75 cases imported.  

"Aromas of vanilla and spicy oak embrace the cherry and plum flavors here. Tar, tobacco and eucalyptus accents chime in as a thick matrix of tannins truncates the finish. It feels chunky today, yet should stretch out in time. Best from 2024 through 2043. 602 cases made."

This wine is so pretty. I love the intensity, the licorice and all the little detailing that goes in the greater embroidery of the Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Gresy 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Camp Gros Martinenga. The wine is powerful, yet its texture is almost fragile, with small berry nuances and shadings of ash and smoke. For better or for worse, the tannins are dry at this point.

The Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Gresy 2010 Langhe Virtus is a blend of 60% Barbera and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is always a late release, and there's a big risk to that with so much bottle and vintage variation to account for. However, this 2010 expression has all its ducks in a row. The bouquet is concentrated and thick, with plenty of power and depth. The bouquet shows dark fruit, with licorice, camphor ash and ink. This is a treat for people who love the magic of old wines. Exactly 8,433 bottles were made.

The 2017 Barbaresco Martinenga is a very pretty wine. Crushed flowers, cedar, mint, tobacco and dried flowers are all beautifully lifted. In 2017, the Barbaresco has a bit more mid-palate stuffing than is the norm, but that works well in rounding out a Barbaresco that is often on the lighter side.

Gorgeous aromas of cherry, strawberry, rose, eucalyptus, iron and tar mark this detailed red, which is balanced and rich, with a firm, well-integrated structure for support. Long and expansive on the finish, with a slightly dusty feel in the end. Best from 2023 through 2042.