Smoke, tar, licorice and amarena cherries are some of the nuances that emerge from the 2007 Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne. Clean, mineral notes frame the long, silky finish. This over-achieving, juicy Barbera is totally delicious and a great value as well, in fact, it is one of Italy’s finest wines for under $20. It is not to be missed. The Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne is made from four parcels in Agliano with vines ranging from 7 to 70+ years (the second selection from the La Crena vineyard). Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. Vietti’s commitment to quality across their entire range is commendable. I can’t think of too many estates that can match Vietti for the number of utterly delicious bottlings that emerge from these cellars in Castiglione Falletto. Both 2006 and 2007 are highly successful vintages for the estate’s Barberas. In recent years Vietti has moved towards a greater use of large, neutral oak for their Barberas and, as these wines amply show, the results are striking. These pure Barberas are exceptional from top to bottom, and even better, they are utterly divine at the dinner table. Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405