The 2001 Barbaresco Rio Sordo, somewhat international on the nose with aromas of vanilla and spice in addition to red currant fruit and anise, is very substantial in flavor, dense, chewy, quite concentrated but with plenty of flesh and roundness right through to the finish. Drink: 2005-2017. Various American importers including The Wine Co., St. Paul, MN; tel. (651) 487-1212

Made for near term consumption, this wine reveals an elegant, charming, sweet nose of jammy fruit, weeds, and tobacco. Fat, round, and soft, with low acidity, admirable ripeness, and rich fruit, this luscious Barbaresco should be drunk over the next 5-7 years. No known American importer.