Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2011 Limited Release Barbera offers scents of red currant and crushed red cherries with hints of dried Provence herbs, stewed tea and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied with mouth-filling, red berry flavors fused with a pleasant earthy and savory undercurrent, it is structured by medium levels of chewy tannins and refreshing acid before finishing with good persistence. Drink it now to 2016+. Imported by Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (714) 892-3030

Pale to medium garnet colored, the 2009 Limited Release Barbera gives a moderate intensity of earthy warm cherry and spice aromas with notes of forest floor and tree moss over anise, cardamom and cumin. Medium-bodied, it has a good amount of spiced cherry flavors with crisp acid and a medium level of velvety tannins, finishing long. This is an elegant, very successful effort for an unusual grape in the Hunter! Drink it now to 2015. Importer: Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (714) 892-3030

On to the reds, the 2008 Limited Release Barbera gives a medium garnet-purple color. Warm cherry, loam, game and dried Mediterranean herbs on the nose. Medium body and crisp acidity. A bit lean in the mid-palate. Medium to long finish. Drink now to 2015. Importer: Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (714) 892-3030