1995 tends to be a good rather than great vintage in Piedmont, but Gaja's sensational 1995s are among the stars of the vintage. This wine possesses extremely saturated dark ruby/purple colors, almost atypical for Nebbiolo. The 1995 Barbaresco Costa Russi is a full-bodied, fruit-driven, and powerful wine, it possesses copious quantities of black raspberry and cherry fruit, as well as toasty new oak. There is even an element of sur-maturite in this large-scaled, expansively flavored effort. I would not be surprised to see it age for 20-25 years. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020+. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (516) 467-5907

Fantastic, world-class, silky-as-they-come red. Thick and dense, extracted but without heaviness, this elegant Barbaresco is packed to the brim with velvety tannins, red- and blackberry flavors and some tasteful, toasted, spicy notes. Palate-coating, smooth and long Nebbiolo. Drink now through 2015. 600 cases made.??–PM??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add