The 2005 Barbera d'Alba Fides is a soft-textured, caressing Barbera with beautiful aromatics that meld into a palate of ripe red cherries, spices and flowers. This medium- bodied, supple Barbera offers notable harmony. It should continue to drink well for several years. The Fides sees mostly French oak although a small amount of the wine is aged in 30-hectoliter casks. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2012. Proprietor Pio Boffa has fashioned some of the finest wines of his career with his 2004 Barbarescos and Barolos. These 2004s are remarkably open even at this early stage. When I asked Boffa if he thought the 2004s would shut down in bottle Boffa responded that it was unlikely because the wines would have already begun to clamp down at this stage if they were indeed headed for a stubborn period. Boffa continued to say he had never seen a vintage with such quality and quantity, echoing a refrain heard throughout Piedmont when discussing the 2004 vintage. Like so many producers, Boffa has backed off the French oak, a move that has benefitted his wines to a huge degree. Importer: Maison Marques & Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000