The 2009 Barbera d’Alba Ciabot du Re bursts from the glass with raspberry jam, pain grille, vanillin, spices and French oak, all supported by elegant, silky tannins. The fruit boasts gorgeous purity, but the oak comes across as overdone. These grapes are so pristine they don’t need the make up. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017.
A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887