The 2006 Barbera d’Alba Scarrone is an incredibly pure wine. Floral, perfumed aromas lead to a focused, vibrant expression of ripe dark fruit wrapped around mineral notes that linger on the finessed, long finish. The wine offers superb detail in a more restrained style than has been the case in recent vintages. Simply put, this is a gorgeous bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. Yet again, this is a superb set of wines from Vietti. The Barberas are beautiful. With each passing vintage the wines have become increasingly elegant, particularly in the use of French oak, which today is much improved. Apparently making top-flight Barolos and Barberas isn’t enough for brothers-in-law Luca Currado and Mario Cordero. In recent years they have also stepped up the quality of their Barbaresco in a big way and today it ranks among the finest wines of the zone. Importer: Remy Cointreau USA, New York, NY; tel. (212) 424-2204

Displays lots of juicy fruit character, with a hint of vanilla. Full-bodied, with a balance of fruit and wood. Tight and focused. A polished wine. Hard to resist now. Drink now. 850 cases made, 220 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Alba Select to Add

Deftly balanced and juicy, with mineral notes underlying ripe boysenberry fruit. Loads of black cherry and cedar flavors slide into a rich finish with a burst of vanilla. Serve now with a piatti di salumi.——W.E.(2/1/2010)—— 88