The 2001 Barbaresco is gorgeous. Sweet balsamic notes open on the bouquet, followed intense, silky layers of fruit. The 2001 is subtle, classy and elegant from start to finish. Hints of early maturity appear in the aromatics, but the wine has more than enough fruit to support at least another decade of fine drinking. Tobacco, sweet herbs and licorice add the final notes of complexity. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. Angelo Gaja isn’t the talkative type too often these days. Most of the time I am greeted, left alone in a room to taste, and then greeted again before I leave. On this day, though, Gaja started talking about vintages, and in particular the misconception that wines from hot years don’t age. Gaja cited 1961, a warm year in Piedmont, and one of the most legendary at the time. The wines aged just fine, added Gaja. What struck me most, though, was how clear Gaja’s recollection was of events that transpired fifty years ago. I know only one other person in Piedmont who has a similarly sharp memory that goes that far back. What does that have to do with these 2001s? Not much, except that it seemed like an interesting anecdote to share. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604 8900

The 2001 Barbaresco is a wine of tremendous harmony that has come together beautifully since I last tasted it six months ago. It presents a very pretty nose of crushed raspberries, spices, and minerals followed by complex dark cherry, tar, menthol and mineral flavors on a delicate, medium-bodied frame of great length. Objectively speaking the single-vineyard wines may be more rich and structured, but it is the Barbaresco this year that really speaks to the soul. If I could only have one wine from this estate in 2001, it would undoubtedly be the terrific Barbaresco. Highly recommended. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2021. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

Gorgeous aromas of blackberries and ripe strawberries follow through to a full-bodied palate with fine tannins and a clean, fresh finish. Very round and ripe tannins. Lovely wine. Best after 2008. 5,800 cases made, 1,200 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add

Gaja’s Barbaresco is a blend of 14 different vineyard sites, aged approximately 12 months in barriques and 12 months in larger oak casks. Shows plenty of spice on the nose—clove, cinnamon, anise—but also loads of cherry and red plum fruit. Sneakily tannic; it starts off silky, then the tannins build in intensity, coating the mouth. Drink 2010–2025.——W.E.(7/1/2005)—— 92