A fine effort is the complex, medium to full-bodied 1998 Barbera d'Alba Vignota, which offers superb black cherry fruit tinged with hints of tomato skins, fresh almonds, and chocolate. With extravagant ripeness as well as a complex, Medoc-like scent of lead pencil shavings, this spicy, dense, fruity Barbera can be drunk over the next 5-7 years. This will be a super-impressive Barolo when released late next year. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900