The 2007 Barbaresco Cotta is terrific perhaps because the qualities of the vintage are so well suited to those of the vineyard. The 2007 is an intensely perfumed floral Cotta laced with freshly cut roses dark fruit sweet baking spices and minerals. In many vintages the Cotta can lean towards a fruit-driven style but in 2007 the aromatics fruit and structural components are as well balanced and seamlessly integrated as I have ever encountered here. This is a truly magnificent Barbaresco from Sottimano. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027. -Antonio Galloni

Oak aging (with 25% new French barrel) has helped shape sweet aromas of vanilla and exotic spice backed by loads of cherry and ripe forest berry. Characteristic aromas of violets wet earth and graphite appear at the back and the wine is firm thick and smooth on the close. Consider long cellar aging: 10 years or more. M.L.