The 2011 Barbaresco Serra Boella is very impressive and seems to have beaten the summer heat while maintaining its aromatic brightness and freshness. Elegant varietal tones of pressed rose, forest berry, cigar ash, autumnal leaf and black licorice rise from the glass. In this mouth, the wine feels tonic and pure with a silky texture and an extra-long finish. Drink: 2016-2026. Sergio Barale has released some of his finest wines ever. The Barolo Castellero (the wine most identified with this estate) and the Barolo Bussia Sergio Barale are simply outstanding. One missing protagonist is the Barolo Cannubi. Sergio and his family decided to replant their holdings in the famous Barolo cru and that wine was last produced in 2007. Production of the Barolo Cannubi will start again with the 2011 vintage. To date, the replanted vines are only five years old so fans of this expression will need to wait much longer before the vineyard reaches a more mature age. Sergio chose a new Nebbiolo clone from the Michet biotype (CN311) that is particularly well suited to the thinner, well-draining soils of Cannubi. He matched that clone with a rootstock (420A) that enables deep root penetration. Both choices reflect a long term vision that will reward those with the patience to wait until Cannubi reaches its prime production years. Various American Importers, including: Chambers Street Wines, www.chambersstwines.com; Wine Appellations Ltd, www.noblegrapewines.com; Lo Duca Bros., www.loducabros.com

The ace up the proverbial sleeve is the 2010 Barbaresco Serra Boella that puts all its best attributes on immediate display. You get the complexity - cassis and dried cherry intermingled with licorice, cola and tobacco – backed by a ripe and plush quality of fruit. It wants more time in the bottle, that’s for sure. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022. One of the oldest estates in the Langhe, Fratelli Barale was founded in 1870, shortly after the Barolo denomination was created with the help of Marchesi Falletti and founding father of modern Italy, Count of Cavour, Camillo Benso. Sergio Barale and his daughters manage the estate today. The various expressions of Barolo are all aged from two to three years in botte grande. Various American Importers, including: Chambers Street Wines, New York, NY; tel. (212) 227-1434; Wine Appellations Ltd, Mill Valley, CA; tel. (415) 381-5782; Lo Duca Bros., New Berlin, WI; tel. (262) 754-9850