The Barbaresco Gallina is the most approachable of the estate’s 2003 Barbarescos. Medium ruby in color, it offers attractive suggestions of menthol, minerals, herbs, tobacco and over-ripe fruit with good length but it doesn’t quite have enough stuffing to fill its somewhat austere frame and the unripe tannins typical of the vintage clip the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700; Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411; and Bianco~Rosso Imports, Ltd., Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 781-0702

Strawberry and tarragon aromas, with hints of fresh flowers. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and an austere finish. Too much new wood for me. Wait and see. Best after 2008. 1,400 cases made, 850 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add