The 2008 Monferrato Rosso Pin is fabulous. Sweet black cherries, plums, flowers, tobacco and incense are some of the notes that flow from this extroverted, exotic red. Layers of fruit build effortlessly to the long finish, underpinned by clean, mineral notes that give the wine its energy and focus. This is a great showing from Giorgio Rivetti’s first important red wine. Pin is 65% Barbera (from Bionzo) and 35% Nebbiolo (from Starderi). Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023. This is a superb set of wines from Giorgio Rivetti. The 2008 Barbareschi are among the strongest wines of the year, while the 2007 Barolo Campe is the best wine to emerge from Rivetti’s vineyards in Grinzane Cavour. The La Spinetta style focusing on wines of great textural richness remains intact, but is dialed in to a greater degree with each passing vintage. Importers: Indigenous Selections, Fort Lauderdale FL; tel. (954) 530-4021, Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY (516) 677-9300