The 2007 Barbera d-Alba Gepin is a gorgeous, dark wine imbued with melted road tar, blackberries, minerals and graphite. The wine possesses superb richness and depth in a style that is very ripe yet manages to retain quite a bit of freshness as well. This is a lovely effort from proprietor Angelo Rocca. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2013. Proprietor Angelo Rocca makes some of the richest Barbarescos in town, but even he couldn't overcome the challenges of the 2006 vintage. His Barbarescos show excellent integrity of fruit and a refined use of oak, even if they don't quite reach the level of his finest wines. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

Velvety, rich and concentrated, this modern intepretation of Barbera from Alba offers silky tones of cherry, black cassis fruit and spice followed by bright acidity and a smooth texture. Pair this fruit-forward wine with roasted pork and fennel sauce.——M.L.(9/1/2010)—— 89