The 2004 Barbaresco Maria Adelaide shows the level Rocca is capable of when a great vintage comes along, and make no mistake about it, the 2004 Maria Adelaide is a great Barbaresco. This deep, dark sensual wine emerges with beautifully integrated layers of ripe dark fruit, French oak, new leather, licorice and menthol in a regal expression of Nebbiolo from Barbaresco. The tannins are incredibly silky for such a young wine. The Maria Adelaide is a selection of the best fruit from Rocca's various vineyards and he gives the wine a touch more new oak than his other Barbarescos. The 2004 Barbaresco is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. I was delighted with the wines I tasted this year from Bruno Rocca, who remains one of the most forward-thinking growers in Barbaresco. In addition to these fine 2006s, Rocca has a fascinating set of 2007s waiting in the wings. Rocca's winery sits atop the heart of the Rabaja vineyard, a parcel that is easily one of Italy's greatest grand cru vineyards. Rocca aims to make wines that can be enjoyed with a minimum of cellaring and I would say he did just that with his 2006s. Importers: Trilussa Wine Company, Greenbrae CA; tel. (415) 499-8466; Indigenous Selections, Fort Lauderdale FL; tel. (954) 530-4021

Plenty of plum and cherry aromas follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. More approachable than Rocca's other Barbarescos in this vintage. Best after 2011. 250 cases made, 80 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add