Clean, perfumed aromatics meld seamlessly into a core of ripe dark fruit as Rocca’s 2005 Barbera d’Alba Gepin opens in the glass. Silky-textured tannins frame the fruit beautifully from start to finish. The 2005 is not the most extroverted vintage of this wine, yet it offers terrific purity and class in an elegant style. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2013. Proprietor Angelo Rocca’s Rosso di Rocca has been one of my favorite value-priced wines from Piedmont over the last few years. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

Fresh blackberry and dried flower notes follow through to a full, round palate, with plum, berry and mineral character. Drink now. 890 cases made, 350 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Alba Select to Add