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