The 2006 Barbera d’Asti La Crena is a dense, brooding effort loaded with mineral-infused dark fruit, violets, graphite, flowers and French oak. This is an especially seamless yet mid-weight La Crena built on elegance rather than power, with an impeccably clean, polished finish that rounds things out. Usually I prefer Barbera on the young side, but La Crena truly sings around age ten or so. It remains one of the most under-the-radar wines in Piedmont. La Crena is made from vines that are over 70 years old in Agliano, one of the most privileged sites for Barbera in Piedmont. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. Vietti’s commitment to quality across their entire range is commendable. I can’t think of too many estates that can match Vietti for the number of utterly delicious bottlings that emerge from these cellars in Castiglione Falletto. Both 2006 and 2007 are highly successful vintages for the estate’s Barberas. In recent years Vietti has moved towards a greater use of large, neutral oak for their Barberas and, as these wines amply show, the results are striking. These pure Barberas are exceptional from top to bottom, and even better, they are utterly divine at the dinner table. Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405

Displays very ripe aromas of crushed blackberry and dark chocolate, with notes of cream. Full-bodied, with mineral, blueberry and lemon peel flavors and firm acidity. A racy wine. Drink now. 900 cases made, 300 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Asti Select to Add