The 2006 Barbera d’Alba Pian Romualdo is soft and sensual in its layers of perfumed dark fruit. This accessible Pian Romualdo offers excellent balance and harmony, although in the 2006 vintage a touch more complexity and personality should have been possible. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. I was very impressed with the wines I tasted from Prunotto this year. The Barolos and Barbarescos in particular are wonderful.A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Blueberry and vanilla aromas, with hints of coffee. Full-bodied, with plenty of juicy fruit and a round finish. Drink now. 2,000 cases made, 80 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Alba Select to Add

There’s a very ripe element that emerges as jammy blackberry and black currant on the generous bouquet of this lively wine. Barbera is a grape with a high level of natural acidity and those mature fruit nuances help soften the sharpness. ——M.L.(12/1/2010)—— 89