Albino Rocca Barbaresco Ronchi DOCG 2017

The 2017 Barbaresco Ronchi is the most representative of this estate because it's where this family estate was born. Grapes from this site have been fermented into wine for many generations starting with great, great grandfather (trisnonno) Carlo who was one of the founding members of the Cantina Sociale di Barbaresco in 1894. The Ronchi cru is planted to 50- to 70-year-old vines on calcareous marl soils that are rich in minerals. This wine reveals a distinctively floral bouquet with pretty contours of crushed stone, white licorice and wild rose. The cornerstones of the characteristic Nebbiolo bouquet are all firmly in place. The Ronchi offers a prominent and pronounced bouquet, followed by medium depth and less power on the mid-palate. The finish might be a bit shorter, but those 2017 tannins pop in at the back, giving the wine firm grounding. Of these three wines, the Ronchi has the most pliant tannins. Fermentation lasts about 30 days in stainless steel, and the wine is racked into Stockinger 20-hectoliter botte (which are very popular in these parts) to rest for two years. Some 7,500 bottles were made, and this wine hit the market in March 2020.

Score: 93
Tasting date: 23 July 2020
Drinking window: 2022 > 2035 

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, reviewed by: Monica Larner

Barbaresco. Tasted blind. Just mid ruby. Sweet cherry and rose hip on the nose and with hints of fruit jam. Succulent fruit shot through by mouth-watering acidity – quite a feat for this hot vintage! Long, aromatic sour-cherry finish with a layer of powdery tannins (Walter Speller).

Jancis Robinson score: 17
Tasting date: 20 July 2020
Drinking window: 2020 - 2030

JancisRobinson.com

The 2017 Barbaresco Ronchi is terrific. Dark, ample and resonant, the Ronchi envelops all the senses from the very first taste. Succulent red cherry, plum, rose petal, spice, mint and licorice all build as the Ronchi shows off its considerable allure. Readers will have a very hard time keeping their hands off this jewel of a wine from the Rocca family.

Score: 94
Tasting date: October 2020
Drinking window: 2023 - 2035

Vinous -- Antonio Galloni

A fruity, opulent Barbaresco with lots of strawberry and watermelon character and citrus undertones. Tannic, yet there’s plenty of richness and intensity. Better after 2022.

Score: 93
Tasting date: aug 2020
Drinking window: 2022 > 

James Suckling

Wine Enthousiast: 96 points

fallstaf: 94