The spectacular, modern-styled 1999 Barbera d'Alba Gisep is aged in 100% new French oak, but its fruit has totally absorbed the wood's pain grille, vanilla notes. A black/purple color is accompanied by a glorious perfume of licorice, blackberries, cherries, cola, and mocha. The finish is long, textured, full-bodied, and supple. Super-ripe Barbera seems to love new oak, and absorbs it as well as any wine in the world. Drink this beauty over the next 5-6 years. A Leonardo Locascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620