The 2009 Langhe Rosso Monsordo (Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Syrah) is gorgeous in this vintage. Plump berries, flowers, mint and spices are some of the many notes that emerge from this fleshy, supple red. I can’t remember a recent vintage of Monsordo that was this delicious. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. Once the poster child of all things modern, Ceretto continues to impress with an approach that combines the best of innovation and tradition. Today macerations are longer, the wines spend less time in oak and new oak levels are lower than in the past. The 2008 Nebbioli were picked from October 5 to 10. The wines saw on average 25 days of contact with the skins. Malolactic fermentation took place in oak, and the wines were aged in barrel for 24 months, 50% new and 50% one-year-old. Starting with 2009, the Baroli are made with natural yeasts, which encourages longer and more drawn out malolactic fermentations. I have to say I am very intrigued by what is happening at Ceretto. Importer: Wilson Daniels Ltd, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661