1997 Barbera d'Alba Pozzo dell'Annunziata Riserva
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The compelling 1997 Barbera Ris Pozzo Dell'Annunciata (only 1,350 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. Importer: A Leonardo Locascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Opaque purple color. Vibrant aromas of crystallized dark berries, chocolate and smoky oak. Thick, supple and sweet, with "purple" flavors of cassis, blackberry and violet. The strong barbera acids are completely buffered by the wine density. Offers superb inner mouth floral character and plenty of personality. Finishes with terrific length and sweetness and dusty wood tannins. Incredible barbera in the making.