The 2004 Barbera d’Asti Superiore Nizza Riserva della Famiglia is the estate’s darkest, most sumptuous Barbera. Smoke, tar, scorched earth and plums are some of the nuances that emerge from this fat, full-bodied Barbera. The Riserva della Famiglia possesses plenty of textural richness and concentration, but the bouquet is not as clean as I had hoped, particularly considering this is the estate’s flagship Barbera. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 256-2700

A full-throttle, in-your-face style, with a core of sweet boysenberry, cherry and raspberry flavors accented by oak spice and mineral. Bright, fresh and intense, with a lightness to the wine and a long, lingering aftertaste of fruit and spice. Demonstrates Barbera's capacity to age and develop. Drink now through 2015. 216 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Asti Select to Add