The 2009 Barbera d’Asti Ai Suma is wonderfully perfumed, fresh and seductive. Roses, violets, plums, dark cherries and minerals are some of the aromas and flavors that flow from this textured, classy Barbera. The wine’s signature ripeness is there, but better balanced than in any young vintage I can remember tasting. This is a jewel of a wine from Braida. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. It’s been a long time since I have been this excited about new releases from Braida. The 2009 Barberas are truly stellar. They are less bombastic than some of the wines of the recent past, and more built on minerality and length. Let’s hope that is a sign of even greater things to come.Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907