The masculine and brooding 2001 Barbaresco Starderi is unquestionably the most complex and complete of the La Spinetta Barbarescos. The wine is dark and deeply expresissive, with a the palate of dark roasted fruit, tar, spices, licorice and a lingering note of menthol. Despite its size and notable concentration the Standeri appears to be a bit more accesible than the Valeirano at hte moment. This is a modern-style Barbaresco at its best.