1995 tends to be a good rather than great vintage in Piedmont, but Gaja's sensational 1995s are among the stars of the vintage. This wine possesses extremely saturated dark ruby/purple colors, almost atypical for Nebbiolo. The 1995 Barbaresco Sori San Lorenzo offers tell-tale cigar tobacco, spice box, and cedar with black currant and cherry fruit in the background. The new oak plays a subtle role. Structured and noticeably tannic, this is a dense wine with surprising levels of glycerin, a saturated plum color, and intriguing flavors of black fruits, soy, and cedar. Although accessible, it needs more bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2016. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (516) 467-5907