The 2007 Barbaresco Vanotu is an intense wine that expresses the warm, open quality of the vintage, but with a touch more gravitas. Sweet, sensual and totally inviting, the Vanotu swirls around in the glass with dark cherries, mocha, leather and grilled herbs. The French oak is nicely integrated, and there are virtually no hard edges to be found in this beauty, with the exception of the young Nebbiolo tannins that occasionally come through. A few additional years in bottle should help this exceptional Barbaresco find its center, although in truth it is already pretty striking. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Pelissero is one of my favorite producers in Barbaresco. Year in, year out proprietor Giorgio Pelissero does a fabulous job with all of his wines, from top to bottom. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

There's an wild, woodsy edge to the black currant, bilberry and violet aromas and flavors expressed in this red. A complement of sweet spice from oak adds dimension. This is balanced, and lingers on the finish. Best from 2013 through 2022. 700 cases made, 275 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add