2008 Produttori del Barbaresco Muncagota Riserva

This was a beautiful showing from the start. Double decanted and aerated for a couple of hours prior to rebottling and serving with dinner (home made mushroom and pancetta pizza with scratch made dough). Minimal sediment. While this is at the beginning of its drinking window, it is worth opening a bottle now if you have several. Will develop additional savory tertiary components in another 3 to 5 years. 

Full bodied strikingly pure black fruits with enchanting flower, truffle-y tar, anise and leather elements. Just a mouthful of delicious fruit right now that exhibits the best of traditional winemaking. A wine that is just entering a contemplative phase. It develops over the evening providing fascinating glimpses of what is to come. 

Notes from the website on the vineyard...

VINEYARD
MUNCAGOTA

Vineyard size: 4.5 ha (11 acres)
Exposure: South East
Elevation: 250 - 300 meters (820 – 980 feet)
Vineyard Owners: Bellora, Lignana, Viglino.

This single vineyard looks South/East, facing the cooler morning sunshine instead of the warmer afternoon sun. Because of that, the Muncagota vineyard shows beautiful floral characteristics and often a specific mint character on the nose. Calcareous soil and a low level of sand gives to the wines of Muncagota extremely focused fruit and firm, stylish tannin. Muncagota is a perfect example of the elegant and intense qualities that make Barbaresco one of the most interesting and unique wines of the world. First produced by Produttori del Barbaresco, as Moccagatta, in 1967. Muncagota is the piedmontese dialect version of the word Moccagatta, same vineyard, different spelling.