The 2008 Barbera d'Alba Superiore Mattarello is a gorgeous wine with more than enough purity and density in its fruit to handle 12-14 months- aging in French oak barrels. Soft and succulent throughout, the Mattarello flows with superb richness. Tar, smoke, licorice and subtle hints of French oak add attractive layers of complexity. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2016. Castello di Neive, one of the historic producers in Barbaresco, seems to fly under the radar, but the best of the wines are well worth discovering and offer terrific quality for the money. Importers: Bacchanal Wine Imports, Inc., New York, NY; tel. (646) 207-0115; Grassroots Wine Wholesalers, LLC; Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 250-9060; Vintage Selections, Cape Canaveral, FL; tel. (321) 783-2700; West Park Imports, Sharon Hill PA; tel. (610) 532-3039; Castello di Neive MHW Ltd, Manhasset, NY; tel. (516) 869-9170

The 2007 Barbera d'Alba Mattarello is a pretty, graceful red layered with perfumed red fruit. Silky tannins frame the long finish. The Mattarello was aged in French barrels, but the oak is beautifully balanced and only felt in the wine’s weight rather than in the aromas and/or flavors. This rich, textured Barbera needs to be opened for at least 30 minutes prior to serving. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2015. Proprietor Italo Stupino continues to ratchet up quality at Castello di Neive. This year I tasted through the entire range and came away most impressed with the Barberas and Barbarescos. The other wines, while certainly correct, weren’t especially exciting. The only real disappointment was the 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Santo Stefano, which falls short of the level of recent vintages. Importers: Bacchanal Wine Imports, Inc., New York, NY; tel. (646) 207-0115; Grassroots Wine Wholesalers, LLC; Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 250-9060; Vintage Selections, Cape Canaveral, FL; tel. (321) 783-2700; West Park Imports, Sharon Hill PA; tel. (610) 532-3039; Castello di Neive MHW Ltd, Manhasset, NY; tel. (516) 869-9170

Dark, rich and gorgeous on the nose, with milk chocolate and berries. Full-bodied, with soft, velvety tannins and a long, rich finish. Rich and layered. Drink now. 550 cases made, 60 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Alba Select to Add

Delicious and clean, with fresh blackberry and mineral aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with a fresh palate and a fruity finish. Drink now. 220 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–null??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Alba Select to Add