One of the best buys from what is becoming an increasingly expensive wine region, Prunotto's 1996 Barbera d'Alba Fiulot is an unqualified success. Nearly 5,000 cases are made of this wine, which is aged briefly in stainless steel before being bottled. It is an exuberant, dark ruby/purple-colored wine with delicious notes of jammy black-cherries and spices. It displays great color, a soft, luscious texture, and a tasty, medium-bodied, explosively fruity personality. It is a delicious, all-purpose wine to drink over the next 3-4 years. This estate, acquired by the Antinori family of Tuscany, has had the benefit of Renzo Cotarella as its winemaker since 1991. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620