Suave and silky, this red boasts wild aromas and flavors of menthol and forest underbrush to complement its sweet cherry and berry notes. Opulent and dense, with complexity and a lingering aftertaste of fruit, woodsy spices and mineral. Best from 2014 through 2030.

Good full red. Musky, wild aromas of strawberry and mint; more classic than the 2006 version. Then broad and perfumed in the mouth, with sexy flavors of spicy red fruits, minerals, dried rose and spices. Finishes broad and very long. A vibrant, complex Barbaresco that will need time. Rivetti says this reminds him of a Barolo from Serralunga. A very strong showing.

The 2007 Barbaresco Vigneto Valeirano, on the other hand, is the most clenched and unexpressive of these 2007 Barbareschi. The Valeirano emerges from the glass with red berries, minerals, French oak and menthol. It is a surprisingly austere wine for 2007 and I am not sure it has the sheer density in its fruit to stand up to the French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2027. This is a beautiful set of 2007 Barbareschi from La Spinetta. With one exception the wines show the trademark open sensual quality of the vintage but with less overt oakiness than has sometimes been the case. In short, readers who appreciate sensual full-bodied Nebbiolo will find much to admire here.