A ripe and rich Barbera d’Asti Superiore with pleasantly inviting aromas of ripe blackberry, Maraschino cherry and exotic spice. All those aromatic layers are washed clean over the palate thanks to the wine’s fresh acidity that kicks in on the finish. ——M.L.(12/1/2010)—— 88

Here’s a lovely expression of Barbera from Asti, Piedmont, with a pretty balance of chocolate, cherry and blackberry aromas. Smoky oak-related elements appear in the background as do drying mineral notes. With some 29,000 cases made, this wine should not be difficult to locate and the low price is hard to beat.——M.L.(9/1/2010)—— 89