There's plenty of cherry fruit here, with touches of cacao, earth and black pepper. Firmly structured, ending with a chalky sensation. Dolcetto and Nebbiolo. Drink now. 833 cases made, 200 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Langhe Select to Add

The cherry, plum, anise and earth flavors are backed by lively acidity, balanced by a cleansing astringency that carries through to the finish. Dolcetto and Nebbiolo. Drink now through 2017. 833 cases made, 200 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Langhe Select to Add

The 2007 Bricco del Drago, an 85% Dolcetto/15% Nebbiolo blend from vineyards outside Alba, escaped the hail that plagued Bussia. Medium in body, the wine shows excellent balance in a somewhat restrained style for this bottling. Today, the 2007 comes across as rather clenched and in need of at least another year in the cellar. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Growers with vineyards in Bussia did not have an easy year in 2007. Hail was a major issue, and few producers seem to have been as heavily impacted as Poderi Colla. The estate lost a full 65% of their fruit, and even the fruit that was salvaged was not of the typically high level that informs the best wines.Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

The 2006 Langhe Bricco del Drago (Dolcetto and Nebbiolo) has developed beautifully since I tasted it last year. Dark fruit, smoke, tobacco and licorice flow through to a muscular, powerful finish. If anything I may have originally underestimated this wine’s structure, as today it looks like it needs at least another year or two in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

The estate’s 2004 Bricco Drago is an unusual blend of 85% Dolcetto and 15% Nebbiolo d’Alba. Although I am not the biggest fan of these blends, the Bricco Drago is unquestionably a beautiful, intense wine packed with deep layers of blueberries, tar, smoke and mint. It should drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2014.Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900