The 2001 Barbera d’Alba Bricco dei Fagiani is already one of the best made around Alba, a deep ruby/purple in color, loaded with spicy raspberry fruit, large-scaled and fresh in flavor and quite long. Drink: 2005-2009. Importer: Dalla Terra Imports, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405

The 2000 Barbera d’Alba Bricco dei Fagiani is from a vineyard just north of the city of Alba in an area known as Madonna Como, a prime source of fine Barbera and Dolcetto. A brilliant ruby, its ripe and jammy nose and its spicy, lush-textured, and dense flavors are the tell-tale signs of serious work in the vineyards and in the cellars. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2008. Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405