The 2007 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is another fabulous wine. It is completely different than the Montefico, even though the vineyards are literally next to each other. The Montestefano shows quite a bit more fruit than the Montestefano, with silky, polished tannins that convey an impression of sensual elegance. Crushed flowers, mint, licorice and dark red cherries are some of the notes that wrap around the deep finish. This is a fabulous Montestefano.

Ripe aromas of plum, mint, chocolate and camphor. Big, rich, round and full, with ripe, sexy flavors of raspberry and plum emerging as the wine opens in the glass. Has the plush, velvety texture to support its fine-grained tannins. Long and complete. This large-scaled and powerful Barbaresco is easy to appreciate in its youth. From a similar exposition to the Montefico, notes Vacca, except that this is at a higher altitude and gets less wind off the river.