The 2010 Barbera d’Asti Superiore Nizza La Crena delivers a dark, penetrating color with appropriately ripe aromas of plum, black fruit and even a touch of dried apricot. There’s a leathery, savory quality to the wine that gives it an austere and mysterious personality. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. If forced to inhabit a desert island that only served the wines of a single producer, I would want Luca Currado to be that supplier. He excels at everything he does from his castle perch at the heart of Castiglione Falletto. Despite the difficult 2009 season, his wines remain extraordinary. In fact, they are among the best I tasted from the vintage. Importer: Dalla Terra Winery Direct, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405