(2011) 14%. Twelve months in French oak has given a smoky vanilla note to the nose of this wine, with a faintly animal, almost medicinal edge, but also some tight but glossy and ripe red fruits. Quite complex. On the palate the cedar and smoke-touched red fruit dominates, with raspberry and plum flavours having plenty of flesh and sweetness. The creamy tannins and the quality French oak bring coffee and toast, and the pert acidity of the Barbera leaves this sweet and fruity, but tangy and dry too. Match to meatballs in a tomato sauce for a slice of heaven.