This is well-oaked, with layers of vanilla, toast and spice notes wrapped around plum, licorice and tar flavors. There is weight and power, with muscular tannins, yet an overriding sense of balance and harmony. Best from 2025 through 2040. 1,100 cases made, 500 cases imported.

The 2018 Barbaresco Bric Balin is laced with the essence of sweet red berry, mint, cinnamon and rose petal. Gracious and lifted, with striking inner perfume, the 2018 is all class. It is especially beautiful with a few hours of air. I would prefer to drink this supple, juicy Barbaresco over the next decade, give or take. The 2018 is a very pretty wine for a vintage with significant hail damage. Then again, production of the Bric Balin is just 5,000 bottles, one-third of normal.