The 2008 Barbera d'Asti Bionzo comes across as a bit closed in on itself. Intense mineral notes frame blackberries, sweet herbs and spices in this powerful, concentrate Barbera. Today the wine is a bit compact, but if it fills out might merit a higher score. The 2008 is very Asti in its slightly austere, reserved personality. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. This is a superb set of wines from Giorgio Rivetti. The 2008 Barbareschi are among the strongest wines of the year, while the 2007 Barolo Campe is the best wine to merge form Rivetti's vineyards in Grinzane Cavour. The La Spinetta style focusing on wines of great textural richness remains intact, but is dealed in to a greater degree with each passing vintage.