Pietro Rinaldi’s 2009 Barbaresco San Cristoforo is an easy, soft wine with plush oak renderings of mocha and toasted nut that add extra padding to the Nebbiolo fruit. The wine is tight and taut with firm, vibrant tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. Paolo Tenino and Monica Rinaldi Tenino run this 10-hectare estate with vineyards in Verduno for Barolo, Neive for Barbaresco and Madonna di Como for Dolcetto and Barbera. Importer: Alliance Beverage Distributing; Phoenix, AZ; tel. (602) 760-5500

This modern style red shows an appealing balance between the sweet oak and spice notes and the cherry and plum fruit. A broad and mouthfilling wine, with dusty tannins lining the finish. Best from 2016 through 2027. 900 cases made, 400 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbaresco Select to Add

This opens with a plush, dark appearance and generous aromas of ripe fruit, tobacco, hazelnut and bitter chocolate. It delivers balance, determination and polished tannins. — (9/1/2012) —92