Ca- del Baio made a small amount of Barbaresco Pora in 2004, which is only being released this year. The qualities of the 2004 vintage are immediately on display as this sweet, layered wine reveals the full breadth of its personality. An array of dark red fruit, toasted oak, smoke, licorice and tar nuances flow effortlessly from this very complete and immensely rewarding Barbaresco. The Pora shows a touch more new wood than a lot of the wines here but the oak is well balanced. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. Its great to see Ca- del Baio and proprietor Giulio Grasso follow up their highly successful 2004s with this set of wines. Various American importers: Casa Bruno Llc, Portland, OR; tel. (503) 235-7429; Jan D-Amore Wines, Brooklyn, NY; tel. (917) 257-7994; Dolce e Dani Llc, Avon, CO

Strawberry and light plum notes, with hints of flowers, follow through to a full-to-medium body, with chewy tannins and a medium finish. Tight and chewy. There's vanilla as well. This grows on you. Best after 2012. 180 cases made, 60 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add