The 2008 Barbera d’Alba offers good intensity in its dark fruit if not quite the aromatic finesse and elegance of the best vintages. This bottle was a touch reduced and needed some air to clean up. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2011. The small Roero estate of Annette Hilberg and Michele Pasquero is one of my favorite sources for pure, hand-crafted wines that highlight the unique qualities of this terroir. The estate’s Barbera d’Alba Superiore is often one of the region’s finest, as it is again this year. Importer: Vignaioli Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 686-3095

Dark and juicy, sporting black cherry, blackberry and currant aromas and flavors on a polished frame. This has some power, yet hangs together beautifully, with a long, fruit-filled aftertaste and a pleasant bitterness. Drink now through 2012. 300 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Alba Select to Add