Notes of ripe berries and plum skins with hints of cloves, cocoa and hot asphalt. Medium- to full-bodied with a compact tannin structure. Firm and lengthy with red and dark berries on offer. Lightly chewy and viscous at the end. Drink after 2025.

The Piero Busso 2016 Barbaresco Gallina (with fruit from Neive) is distinguished by its bright and busy bouquet. There is a lot going on here, with wild berry, cassis, earth and blue flower aromas. However, the quality of fruit presented remains quite naked and pure, having spent 24 months in large oak botte. This wine is true to the variety and paints a pretty picture of grace and elegance. Dusty mineral notes and salt appear on the silky finish. This is a wine I enthusiastically recommend.

Gallina is one of the celebrated growing sites in the comune di Neive. It is known for its structured and age-worthy wines. The Piero Busso 2015 Barbaresco Gallina shows the soft and ripe aromas of this warm growing season with black cherry, plum and blood orange. In terms of mouthfeel, you will recognize the tight tannins and firm textural support. Pretty dustings of crushed mineral or limestone add to the elegance of the long finish.

The 2010 Barbaresco Gallina treats us to sweet candied cherry aromas with nice intensity, steady balance and an expressive personality. Only 2,800 bottles were made.

The 2008 Barbaresco Gallina is totally different in style from the preceding wines in this lineup. Although quite fat and rich, ultimately the wine is overwhelmed by oak. Gallina is one of the better sites in Neive. Unfortunately, little of that comes through here. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. Importer: A.I. Selections, Astoria, NY; tel. (718) 777-2243; Grape Vine of North Carolina, Concord, NC; tel. (704) 786-6406; Bond Street?Imports, Charlotte,?NC; tel. (704) 521-1353