Barbera Pozzo dell Annunziata Riserva, Roberto Voerzio 2001

Voerzio’s outrageous and irresistible 2001 Barbera d’Alba Riserva Vigneto Pozzo dell’Annunziata explodes out of the glass with sensations of spices, toasted oak, chocolate and minerals, followed by masses of rich, extracted dark jammy fruit that coat the palate. Despite its utterly decadent and hedonistic qualities, this wine is superbly balanced, with serious structure, tremendous length and an inviting finish. On the second day, the overt oakiness in the wine had receded. In its place a very pretty mineral note emerged, and the wine appeared even longer and more complex than when first opened. Aged for 1½ years in 100% new barriques. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2013.