Castello di Neive concludes its line-up with the very solid 2010 Barbaresco Albesani Santo Stefano. The wine opens with a bright ruby-garnet color and shows amazing fine nuances of rose, ginger, licorice and anisette. The bouquet is simply beautiful and moving, especially as you follow its quick evolution in the glass. This wine is all about the finer details and it shows impressive depth of clarity and luminosity. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2020. Importer: Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

The 2007 Barbaresco Albesani Santo Stefano shows the weight and richness that is typical of this south-facing site in Neive. A rich fabric of dark fruit, fresh roses, new leather and menthol completely cover the palate. The Santo Stefano is impeccable in its generous, enveloping fruit. The intensity and sheer depth of the fruit manages to virtually bury the tannins, but they are there. As delicious as this is today, it will be even better in a few years- time. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027. 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

Features delicate cherry and herbal notes on the nose, then intensifies on the palate, adding complex spice touches to the mix. Medium-bodied, with a fresh, mouthwatering finish. Drink now–2015. Imported by VinUS Inc. ——J.C.(3/1/2006)—— 90