The 2005 Barbaresco Nubiola is an elegant, refined offering. Made in a delicate, feminine style, it possesses highly attractive notes of flowers, spices and small red fruits. Initially somewhat focused, the wine expands beautifully on the palate, where layers of perfumed fruit blossom with notable class and elegance. The Nubiola is made from fruit sourced from vineyards in Barbaresco, Neive and Treiso, and is aged in cask. The tannins and structure of this wine make it the most classic of the Pelissero Barbarescos. This finessed Nubiola may be the best yet. It is a gorgeous wine to enjoy over the next decade or so, although I would give it a little bottle age to come together. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2017. I was extremely impressed with these new releases from proprietor Giorgio Pelissero. Readers may also want to take a look at Issue 178 for notes on the estate’s value-priced wines.Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

The well-priced Nubiola offers well-integrated notes of black currant, vanilla and allspice with deep layers of toasted wood and cured meats that come into view as the wine spends more time in the glass. The tannins are drying and firm and the wine ends with crisp firmness and tannic determination. Drink after 2010.——M.L.(4/1/2009)—— 90