Aromatic, sporting violet and black currant notes, with a hint of acetone, this is dense and burly. Thick tannins coat the finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Dolcetto d'Alba Select to Add

Dark and brooding, featuring black currant, blackberry, violet and mineral flavors. Compact yet focused, balanced and long, with the mineral note echoing on the finish. Drink now through 2018. 6,200 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Dolcetto d'Alba Select to Add

Blackberry, pomegranate and cherry flavors are slightly jammy, showing a touch of sweet spice. This is dense and long, with good balance overall. Drink now through 2015. 1,000 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Dolcetto d'Alba Select to Add

Ratti’s 2011 Dolcetto d’Alba Colombe is super-impressive. A vein of tannin keeps the fruit suspended in a tight-wire act that balances fruit, acidity and minerality beautifully. Blueberries, tar, licorice and melted road tar are all layered into the pure, long finish. The Colombe is a serious Dolcetto with plenty of tannin to pair beautifully with rich foods. This is a striking wine from Pietro Ratti. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015. Importer: Dreyfus Ashby & Co., New York, NY; tel. (212) 818-0770

The 2010 Dolcetto d’Alba Colombe impresses for its fleshy varietal fruit and approachable personality. The freshness and vibrancy of the year offers a nice contrast to the dark aromas and flavors. This is a very strong effort. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. Proprietor Pietro Ratti continues to dial up the quality, especially with his Baroli. In 2007 those wines aren’t as differentiated in quality as they typically are, which is one of the qualities of the vintage in general. Importer: Dreyfus Ashby & Co., New York, NY; tel. (212) 818-0770