I remember being blown away by the 2005 Barbaresco Masseria when I tasted it from barrel late in 2007. Now that the wine is in bottle it is every bit as impressive as my early tastings suggested. This is a Barbaresco that veers into Barolo territory in its scale, massive concentration and sheer opulence of fruit. An intense, super-ripe Barbaresco, it continues to improve in the glass, as its core of dark fruit gradually emerges from a wall of tannins. The wine shows utterly amazing integrity in its fruit and phenomenal balance, although patience is warranted. Vietti has produced yet another gem in the 2005 Barbaresco Masseria. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. Yet again, this is a superb set of wines from Vietti. The Barberas are beautiful. With each passing vintage the wines have become increasingly elegant, particularly in the use of French oak, which today is much improved. Apparently making top-flight Barolos and Barberas isn’t enough for brothers-in-law Luca Currado and Mario Cordero. In recent years they have also stepped up the quality of their Barbaresco in a big way and today it ranks among the finest wines of the zone. Importer: Remy Cointreau USA, New York, NY; tel. (212) 424-2204

There is such purity of fruit in this. Has a fabulous nose, with aromas of blackberry, raspberry and flowers. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long finish. Structured. Best after 2013. 450 cases made, 130 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add

Vietti offers a concentrated and super rich expression of Barbaresco with solid aromas of black berry fruit and toasted oak that create a solid, almost syrupy whole. The wine is luscious and concentrated with opulent notes of dark chocolate, espresso, cured meat and licorice. It tastes fresh and succulent now and needs at least five more years of bottle aging.——M.L.(4/1/2009)—— 92