The estate’s 2003 Barbera d’Alba Riserva della Famiglia flows with the essence of blackberries, minerals, spices and graphite, all of which come together in an incredibly rich expression of Barbera. The aromatics aren’t quite as clean as they should be at the outset, and significant aeration is needed for the wine to find its focus. This sumptuous Barbera spent 16 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2015. Coppo – one of Piedmont’s historic properties – makes a wide range of wines but they seem to do best when they kept things simple, as some of the wines remain excessively oaked and heavy.A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Coppo’s top of the line 2003 Barbera d’Asti Riserva Famiglia is a racy, super-ripe wine bursting with intense dark fruit. Notes of leather, spices and sweet toasted oak swirl around in the glass as this opulent wine gradually opens up. With a touch more freshness and better balance the wine might merit a higher score. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2013. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620