I was always a fan of Italian reds, yet find myself searching for the big, dry wines I love via Cali. Then someone gave me a taste of Gaja barbaresco. You don't find this kind of delicate balance of perfection everyday. Dry, tannic, BIG, yet so beautifully refined. No fruity bollocks here, no shortcuts. This is what wine is about. (Now don't get me started on the single vineyard barbarescos...)