Notes of ripe raspberries and crushed violets with hints of walnuts, licorice and chocolate. Medium- to full-bodied with compact yet supple tannins that are well integrated into the wine. Attractive and pure fruit character with a lengthy finish. Try after 2025.

Piero Busso's 2016 Barbaresco Mondino is a wine with a lively vertical rise and lots of upward push in terms of its bouquet. The aromas are fun and playful, with fresh forest berry, blueberry and wild rose backed by balsam herb, smoke, spice and tar. You get the whole range of basic Nebbiolo aromas. The wine's tension is balanced and its overall delivery is beautifully executed.

There are some unfortunate chemical, swimming-pool aromas to the 2011 Barbaresco Mondino. I am not a fan. This wine is fermented in stainless steel and later aged in large oak casks for two years.

The 2009 Barbaresco Mondino possesses a little more textural richness and depth than the Borgese, but it shares a similar aromatic and flavor profile, along with giving the distinct impression it is best suited for drinking over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. 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

The 2008 Barbaresco Mondino is a touch brighter and firmer than the Borgese. Freshly cut flowers, dark red fruit and licorice are some of the notes that flow from the glass. The Mondino impresses for its length and vibrant, high-toned finish. This is another beautifully balanced wine from Piero Busso. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. This is one of the most impressive lineups I have ever tasted from Piero Busso. It’s great to see this small, artisanal grower doing so well. Hopefully this is a sign of even greater things to come. 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