The 2006 Barbera d’Alba Superiore hovers on the palate in a soft, sensual style. While most important Barberas today reveal considerable concentration, this is a wine that relies first and foremost on a level of finesse that is all its own. Silky tannins frame a finish of extraordinary elegance. Vajra’s Barbera d’Alba Superiore is made from the Bricco delle Viole vineyard. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2021. Vajra is one of Piedmont’s best kept secrets. Here readers will enter a world of sublime hand-crafted, artisan wines of the very highest level. Aldo and Milena Vajra’s passion comes through in spades in these terrific new releases, which I can’t recommend highly enough. Importer: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808

Very clean and precise, with milk chocolate, lemon and bright raspberry on the nose. The character in this wine is focused. Full and fruity, with lively acidity and a long, fruity finish. Drink now. 560 cases made, 300 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Alba Select to Add