The 2008 Barbera d’Alba is a beautifully pointed, focused wine. Dark raspberries, flowers, minerals and smoke are woven together in a fabric of notable verve. The mid-weight, vibrant style is a bit of a departure from some of the bigger, lusher Barberas Sandrone has made in previous years, but I find the clean, driven personality of the wine highly attractive, not to mention incredibly food friendly. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Importer: Vintus LLC, Pleasantville, NJ tel. (914) 769-3000

Packed with fruit and spice, this displays flavors of violet candy and black currant, with vanilla and licorice accents. Well put together, with a light coating of tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2014. 500 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Alba Select to Add