The flagship 2005 Bricco dell’Uccellone is a wonderfully fragrant version of this wine. It is unusually refined in its expression of small red fruits, spices, flowers, tar, smoke and toasted oak, all of which are supported by finessed tannins. Readers who enjoy the big style of Bricco dell’Uccellone might prefer other recent vintages, but those seeking a more restrained Barbera will find much to admire here. This is a beautiful wine. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2013. Braida and the late proprietor Giacomo Bologna will always be remembered for being among the first producers to believe in the potential of Barbera as an important variety. Today, though, one often gets the sense that a new generation of producers is taking Barbera to even greater heights. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907