The 2006 Barbera del Monferrato Superiore Cima Riserva della Casa is an outstanding wine. Dark plums, cherries, mint, rosemary, spices and French oak meld together seamlessly in this opulent, full-bodied Barbera. Darker notes of licorice, tar and leather develop in the glass, adding gravitas. This dark, sumptuous Barbera needs time in the glass to open up, but it is majestic. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. This is a fabulous lineup from Accornero replete with a number of wines that deliver superb value.Importer: Montecastelli Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 414-4898

The 2004 Barbera del Monferrato Superiore Cima Riserva della Casa is another big, full-throttle red. Smoke, leather, herbs and worn-in leather are some of the early tertiary nuances that have developed in bottle. This shows wonderful complexity, inner perfume and nuance, but ideally it needs another year or two for the tannins to soften further. Readers looking for a Barbera with a bit of age on it will find quite a bit to like here. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Importer: Montecastelli Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 414-4898

The 2003 Barbera del Monferrato Superiore Cima Riserva della Casa is simply gorgeous. At six years of age, early signs of tobacco, cedar, leather and licorice have developed, adding tons of complexity to the dense, expressive fruit. The French oak is completely integrated and is felt mostly in the wine’s ample volume rather than in the aromas and flavors. The finish remains pure and impeccable, further adding to the wine’s balance. This is sublime juice! Anticipated maturity: 2009-2015. Importer: Montecastelli Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 414-4898