Pio Cesare’s 2010 Barbera d’Alba Fides is quite beautiful in this vintage. Raspberry jam, cloves, mint and licorice meld together in a voluptuous, seamless Barbera supported by the vibrant acidity of the year. The fruit has more than enough structure to stand up to the French oak, something that hasn’t always been the case. The French oak is evident, but it is better integrated than it has often been in the past. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. Importer: Maisons Marques & Domaines USA, Inc., Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000