Trinchero’s 2006 Barbera d’Asti Vigna del Noce wraps around the palate with serious weight, depth and richness. Black cherries, tobacco, scorched earth, worn-in leather, game and incense burst from the glass in this huge, old-style Barbera. Layers of fruit flow through to the big, inviting finish. The 2006 is highly idiosyncratic but attractive just the same. As always, slight oxidative notes are present throughout. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. Trinchero makes some of the most distinctive Barbere readers will come across. The top selections, the Vigna del Noce and the multi-vintage Rosso del Noce, are loaded with character. As good as the wines can be, there is a lot of bottle variation with Trinchero. Personally, I think better corks – certainly a necessity with wines that are meant to be cellared – is an absolute must. The current state of affairs is just not good enough. Importer: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404