The 2005 Barolo Zonchera is a very pretty, mid-weight Barolo laced with perfumed red fruit, flowers and spices. Made in an accessible style, the 2005 Zonchera offers excellent balance and a level of finesse that has at times been missing from this entry-level bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. This is a pretty set of 2006 Barbarescos from Ceretto. The wines show excellent textural softness and beautiful integration of tannins. All of these wines improved markedly with air.Importer: Wilson Daniels Ltd, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661

Zonchera Barolo is presented as the estate’s soft and most “modern” interpretation of Barolo (a sometimes austere and shy wine). This expression, on the other hand, is bold, bright and packed tight with fresh fruit nuances as well as tangy spice and tobacco. You don’t need to cellar age this wine long because it’s perfectly ready to drink now.——M.L.(12/1/2010)—— 91