The 2013 vintage in Piedmont has firmly planted itself as one of the top vintages of the past decade.

It joins the ranks of 2001, 2008 and 2010. These vintages gave the undeniably aristocratic Nebbiolo grape the perfect stage to shine in all its glory.

It's probably no surprise that Cascina delle Rose's 2013 Barbaresco Tre Stelle stands out as one of the best wines we've tasted from them. We offered 2013 Cascina delle Rose in April. Now that the temperatures have dropped and word is definitely out on 2013 Piedmont, this seemed like a perfect time to revisit the bottle.

This is an estate that's been under-the-radar for years. Its modest size is a big reason for their low profile. The Tre Stelle is an extreme example of this - just over three hundred cases are produced in any given vintage.

The difference between Tre Stelle and Rio Sordo, their other top bottling, is that Tre Stelle is from predominately limestone soils while Rio Sordo is more clay influenced. In general, Cascina delle Rose's signature is an elegant, ultra-fine take on Barbaresco. For us, Tre Stelle captures the style's beauty the best.

Tre Stelle has more expansive intensity than Rio Sordo, but it also delivers a sleek elegance and detail that makes it stand out. This is especially the case with the 2013. It boasts a gorgeous and precise aromatic complexity and a refined texture. The 2013 offers up amazingly pure high-toned red fruits, herbs, dried flowers and earth. There's a lovely lift to the imposing palate presence.

Cascina delle Rose is fairly new to bottling their wines. The estate was founded in 1948, but until 1992 they sold their grapes to a famous co-op in the region.

It's a lot of fun to offer wines like the 2013 Tre Stelle. The combination of the great vintage, great winemaking, and sub-$60 price make this a can't miss.

To order, reply to offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Ian McFadden

Director, Fine & Rare Wine
Crush Wine & Spirits