The 2009 Barbera d’Alba Marun shows fabulous intensity in its radiant dark raspberries, flowers, licorice and French oak. This juicy, silky Barbera boasts tons of polish and sheer sexiness. It should drink nicely for at least a handful of years. 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

A dense, extracted style, boasting blackberry, plum, vanilla and toast flavors. The dusty tannins shore up the finish, with the fruit and spice notes lingering on the aftertaste. Drink now through 2017. 1,000 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Alba Select to Add