The 2007 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagotta is the most forward of the 2007 Riservas. Sweet tobacco, leather, dried flowers and dark cherries are some of the notes that emerge from the glass. The Muncagotta comes across as rather feminine, with less of the radiance and lushness of the best wines of the year. The aromas and flavors are already a bit advanced, which isn’t terribly surprising considering the site and year. Ideally the Muncagotta is best enjoyed sooner rather than later. Readers shoud note the new spelling for this wine, which reflects the updated vineyard designations that went into effect in Barbaresco with the 2007 vintage. The Muncagotta is the new name for the wine and vineyards previously known as Moccagatta. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. The 2007 Riservas saw a lengthy period of four or more weeks on the skins. The wines spent a total of three years in oak, the first year in 25-35 HL casks, an additional 12-18 months in larger 50-75 HL casks, and a final 6-12 months back in the smaller casks. When the 2007 Riservas were younger, the personality of the vintage was quite apparent, but as the wines have aged the site specificity of these great vineyards has begun to emerge. The 2007 Riservas are big wines that should drink well upon release, but they also appear to have enough structure to develop beautifully in the cellar. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200