The dark garnet-colored 1997 Barbaresco Vigna Masue-Curra exhibits aromas of soy, smoke, asphalt, black cherries, and incense, unreal opulence, huge levels of glycerin, plenty of power, a sweet, expansive palate impression, gorgeous purity, and loads of fruit, glycerin, and alcohol. Buried beneath all that is some serious tannin, but it is not causing the wine to shut down or taste astringent. It should firm up in the bottle and drink well for 14-15 years.
A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411