Pian Romualdo is one of Alba’s most famous areas for fine Barbera, and the Prunotto Barbera made from the grapes of this vineyard was arguably Piedmont’s best up until the mid-1980s, with memorable wines in 1983 and 1985. Other producers and other vineyards are now offering comparable quality, but the 2002 Barbera d’Alba Pian Romualdo is a revelation for the vintage, less complex and rich than usual but fragrant, elegant, continuous, and with a light-grained texture and subtle spiciness which are most convincing. I would nonetheless opt for drinking this wine while it is still young – the wines of 2002 are unlikely to show much improvement in bottle. Importer: Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620