The 2010 Dolcetto d’Alba Augenta presents a higher-toned set of aromas and flavors than the Munfrina. Red fruit, espresso, sweet herbs and flowers are some of the notes that flesh out in this mid-weight, understated Dolcetto. The Augenta shows plenty of power as well as refinement. This is another strong showing from Pelissero. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. These are among the finest wines I have ever tasted from Giorgio Pelissero. The 2008 harvest was very much on the later side and began in mid-October. The Vanotu was aged in 100% new French oak barrels, while the Nubiola and Tulin were aged approximately 60% in cask and 40% used French oak. Pelissero credits higher-quality barrels as one of the main reasons his wines are more elegant than in the past, but he isn’t giving himself enough credit.Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

The 2009 Dolcetto d’Alba Augenta is plump and juicy in its dark blueberries, violets, minerals and earthiness. This beautifully succulent, varietally expressive Dolcetto should provide fine drinking for at least a few years. A round, utterly harmonious finish makes it impossible to resist a second taste. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Pelissero is one of my favorite producers in Barbaresco. Year in, year out proprietor Giorgio Pelissero does a fabulous job with all of his wines, from top to bottom.Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

The 2008 Dolcetto d’Alba Augenta (from tank) reveals a level of sheer richness and balance that is not easily found in this vintage. The Augenta is shaping up to be one of the finer Dolcettos in 2008. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2013. Giorgio Pelissero is a young, passionate producer based in Treiso. As outstanding as the Barbarescos can be, I find just as much pleasure in his Dolcettos and Barberas, which are among the finest in the region. From top to bottom, this is a first-class set of wines.Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

The 2007 Dolcetto D’Alba Augenta is more classic of the estate’s Dolcettos. Whereas the Munfrina is aged in steel, the Augenta spends several months in large, neutral oak which gives the wine a firm, sturdy structure to frame the dark red fruit. This, too, is a beautifully perfumed, full-bodied and tasty offering. The Augenta is not currently imported into the US, but it should be available elsewhere. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2011. Giorgio Pelissero is based in Treiso, in the heart of the Barbaresco zone. While I have long admired his wines, it often seemed as though Pelissero wasn’t getting the most of his vineyards. That seems to have changed with this set of releases. I was simply blown away by what I tasted, and that includes the higher-end wines as well.Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907