The 2008 Barbera d’Alba Gallina shows the suppleness and richness of this great vineyard in Neive. Here the fruit is warm, open and expressive, quite a contrast to its sibling, the Barbera Bionzo, which is made from a site in Asti. The Gallina flows effortlessly with sweet ripe blackberries, flowers, spices, herbs, licorice and leather, but it is the wine’s textural elegance and silkiness I admire most. This is a beautiful, understated Barbera from La Spinetta. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2018. 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

Superripe, with jammy black cherry and plum notes mingling with oak spice. The tannins are firm, gaining balance and harmony with air. Drink now through 2015. 840 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Alba Select to Add