Just bottled, the 2015 Barbaresco Fausoni possesses a level of volume and intensity to a degree I have not seen in this wine before. Sweet, perfumed and super-inviting, the 2015 is going to be nearly impossible to resist in its youth. Virtually seamless in the glass, but with considerable supporting structure, the 2015 captures all the sexiness of the year. The interplay between the radiance of the vintage and the more energetic, vibrant qualities that are typical of this site is compelling. Hard candy, rose petal, orange zest, mint and spice infuse the creamy, resonant finish.
94 points, Antonio Galloni (October 2017)
The 2015 Barbaresco Fausoni offers terrific freshness and lift, especially within the context of the year. Bright red berry fruit and floral notes give this mid-weight, nervy Barbaresco much of its vibrancy. The tannins could use a bit more bottle age to soften, but otherwise, the 2015 is just as impressive today as it was last year, when I tasted it just after bottling.
94 points, Antonio Galloni (October 2018)
Deep, plum and floral nose, then a ripe and generous palate with considerable tannic power, but also very good balance. The dry, quite minerally finish is long and intense.
94 points, James Suckling (September 2018)
Showing elegance and grace starting with the first sip, the 2015 Barbaresco Fausoni also reveals power and integration. You get both sides of the spectrum with this wine: silk and muscle. The bouquet emits aromas of pressed blue flower, rose hip, dried red currant, spice and fine licorice. The finish is compact and long in persistence. Only 5,000 bottles were produced.
92+ points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (September 2018)
This has classic Nebbiolo aromas of dark-skinned berry, fragrant blue flower, baking spice, new leather and menthol. The firm focused palate delivers dried black cherry, cranberry, licorice and white pepper set against a backbone of youthfully austere fine-grained tannins. Give it a few more years to unwind and fully develop.
93 points, Kerin O'Keefe, Wine Enthusiast (January 2019)
Broad-shouldered, with cherry, loam and licorice notes, this red boasts well-appointed tannins and bright acidity. Complex and chewy on the long finish.
92 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (December 2018)
'I can’t say enough good things about the Sottimano family and the work they have done over the years to firmly establish themselves among Barbaresco’s top growers. This is one of the few places in Piedmont where every wine is consistently delicious. The only question is how delicious. In recent years, Andrea Sottimano has worked to give his Barbareschi extended time on the lees in a cold cellar, which also slows down the malos. This distinctly Burgundian approach stands in stark contrast to the way most French oak-aged wines are made in Piedmont, where malos typically follow right after the alcoholic fermentations.' Antonio Galloni, October 2012.
