The 2003 Barbaresco is sweet and perfumed with pretty notes of smoke, flowers, cinnamon and ripe red fruit. This medium-bodied, focused wine offers outstanding length and remarkable freshness for the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2018. Pio Cesare is one of the region’s historic estates. The winery’s base Barolo and Barbarescos are made in a fairly traditional style while single-vineyard wines are decidedly more contemporary expressions. In the challenging 2003 vintage, the former, which are multi-commune blends, have turned out particularly well. Importer: Maison Marques & Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000

Fresh and grapey, with light plum and flowers. Full-bodied, with delicious fruit, vanilla and strawberry character and a long finish. Hard not to drink it now. Best after 2008. 3,200 cases made, 650 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add

The 2003 Barbaresco is evolving well, if quickly. It shows mature flavors of smoky fruit, sweet plums, graphite and a touch of rubber. Soft on the palate, and delicious now, it should drink well for another five years.——M.G.(12/31/2007)—— 87