The 2009 Nebbiolo d’Alba La Val dei Preti is a big, expansive wine loaded with sweet red cherries, crushed flowers and spices. There is plenty of texture and depth in the glass, but the wine turns a bit diffuse on the mid-palate as it loses an element of focus and sheer energy leading to the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. Even with the recent emergence of a number of growers in Roero, Correggia remains a reference-point winery. This year marks the tenth anniversary of Matteo Correggia’s untimely passing. In a decade that has seen such a huge explosion of quality in Piedmont and Roero it is only natural to wonder what kind of wines Correggia might be making if he were alive today. But you can’t live in the past, and the reality is that this is a very fine set of wines from the estate. As is often the case, many of the true jewels lie among the simpler offerings. Various American importers, including: Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119, AHAWines, Portland, OR; tel. (503) 806-4472, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411

Austere, with a firm structure and chewy texture defining the tea and underbrush flavors. Licorice and a touch of sweet fruit linger. Best from 2015 through 2022. 1,000 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Nebbiolo d'Alba Select to Add