The compelling 1997 Barbera Ris Pozzo Dell'Annunciata (only 1350 magnums produced) may be the greatest Barbera I have ever tasted. A prodigious effort it displays the flamboyant opulence of the 1997 vintage in addition to extraordinary unctuosity unbelievable layers of fruit and an amazing finish that lasts for nearly 45 seconds.With gobs of black cherry fruit intermixed with chocolate cedar wood strawberries licorice and a touch of mint in the background this spectacular wine from a relatively young La Morra vineyard was aged in barrique and bottled without filtration. A prodigious effort it will age for at least a decade.

Delicious with superrich aromas of smoke black licorice and citrus. Full-bodied with soft tannins and a long luscious finish.Tasted from magnum. Black color. Powerful aromas of blackberry licorice and tar follow through to a full body with big juicy tannins and a long bright fruit finish. Lots of citrus fruit and berry in the aftertaste. This Barbera is holding up beautifully. Proves that great Barbera ages well. Even better than when I tasted it young.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Drink now. 125 cases made.