The 2009 Barbera d’Alba Scarrone impresses for its sleek, refined personality. This is an interesting wine in the way it melds the radiance of a warm year with the medium-bodied structure of a cooler vintage. Soft red berries, flowers and licorice are some of the notes that are woven together in this focused, articulate Barbera. The 2009 Scarrone is somewhat reserved next to most recent other vintages. In exchange, it should drink well right out of the gate. I would be surprised if there is considerable upside to be gained from cellaring this more than a handful of years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. The biggest news at Vietti is the recent acquisition of new parcels in Brunate and Lazzarito. Finding high quality plots in Piemonte’s grand crus and then financing their purchase is a massive endeavor and a huge accomplishment. Luca Currado is quite open in his view that 2008 was a challenging year in the vineyards, where the constantly changing weather required a nimble, flexible approach. Currado did quite a bit of bleeding to bring his wines into balance. I also tasted all of the 2009, 2010 and 2011 Baroli. Of those vintages, the 2010s are shaping up to be heroic wines. Among the new releases I am less enthusiastic about the 2009 Barbere, wines that are very good, but not as exceptional as they so often are. Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405

A powerful, brooding Barbera, evoking black currant, blackberry and coffee notes. This is broad-shouldered and high-octane, with well-integrated tannins and a touch of licorice on the finish. Best from 2013 through 2016. 523 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Alba Select to Add