The 2007 Barbera d’Alba Scarrone Vigna Vecchia flows onto the palate with a stunning and totally irresistible expression of dark, round fruit. Tar, smoke, licorice and new leather linger on the round, polished finish. The Vigna Vecchia remains exceedingly young, but it is a spectacular effort and should develop very nicely in bottle. This is a wonderful, sensual and compelling Barbera from Vietti. Sadly there are just under 3,600 bottles to go around. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. Vietti’s commitment to quality across their entire range is commendable. I can’t think of too many estates that can match Vietti for the number of utterly delicious bottlings that emerge from these cellars in Castiglione Falletto. Both 2006 and 2007 are highly successful vintages for the estate’s Barberas. In recent years Vietti has moved towards a greater use of large, neutral oak for their Barberas and, as these wines amply show, the results are striking. These pure Barberas are exceptional from top to bottom, and even better, they are utterly divine at the dinner table. Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405

Shows blueberry and licorice notes, with flowers and berries. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, rich finish. Dense and powerful. Drink now. 300 cases made, 125 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Alba Select to Add