The 2004 Barbaresco Gallina is a more muscular, dense wine than the 2005 Borgese. It presents a richly-textured core of dark red fruit framed by sweet toasted oak, along with notes of smoke, tobacco and licorice that emerge with air. This is a distinctly large-scaled Barbaresco from Piero Busso. As good as it is, I prefer the style of the 2005 Borgese for its greater clarity and articulation. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. Unfortunately I was only able to taste two Barbarescos from Piero Busso this year. Importer: Grape Vine of North Carolina, Concord, NC; tel. (704) 786-6406; J.A.O. Wine Imports, Mc Lean, VA; tel. (703) 628-9615; J.F. Wine Imports Inc., Spring Hill, FL; tel. (941) 539-3535; Triage Wines, Inc., Seattle, WA; tel. (503) 236-6262

Ripe blackberry and strawberry on the nose, with cut wood. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a grilled meat, porcini and ripe fruit aftertaste. Tight and firm. Needs time. Best after 2012. 70 cases made.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add