The 2001 Barbera d’Alba Bric Loira challenges many a Barbera from across the river in Barolo. Inky and impenetrable in color, with a huge jammy nose of super-ripe fruit, vanilla, dark chocolate, and tar, its succulent, almost decadent, palate of sweet fruit, high alcohol, a satiny mouth feel, and melting low-acid texture are most impressive. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2009. Importer: William Grant & Sons, Edison, NJ; tel. (732) 225-9000