The 2006 Barbera d’Asti Superiore Chersi from Ca’ Bianca is layered with dark cherries, minerals, spices and smoke. Medium in body, the wine possesses terrific length and vibrancy, not to mention lovely overall balance. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2014. Importer: Frederick Wildman and Sons Ltd, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700

The estate’s French-oak aged 2005 Barbera d’Asti Superiore Chersi is a dark, brooding wine imbued with the essence of road tar, black cherries, spices and toasted oak. Made in a seamless style, it offers superb depth and remarkable textural richness. This is an outstanding Barbera that won’t break the bank. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2012. Importer: Frederick Wildman and Sons Ltd, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700

Tastes expensive. Lots of posh oak on the nose and palate, lots of structure and firm tannins. Impressive.

A big, ripe wine with a nice personality, there is plenty to like about this wine, and is easygoing enough and versatile enough to be a perfect candidate for a restaurant wine. The nose shows chocolate raspberry truffles, and a touch of oak. On the palate, the same attractive notes and a decent finish. An obvious but very attractive wine.——M.G.(12/22/2011)—— 87