The 2007 Roero Bric Valdiana Monta emerges from the glass with gorgeous dark red fruit, minerals, licorice, violets and French oak. This sleek, refined Roero impresses for its exceptional balance and fabulous pedigree. With time in the glass, the wine grows in depth and overall expressiveness. The tannins are a touch firm, but the Valdiana should be even better with another year or two of bottle age. This is a fabulous effort from Almondo. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Almondo is an excellent source for varietally true, expressive wines from Roero. The red Roeros are particularly impressive this year. Importer: Petit Pois, Moorestown, NJ; tel. (856) 608-9644

Sweet and ripe tones of raspberry and black cherry help soften this naturally tannic and sharp wine from northern Italy. There are loads of perfumed and floral notes as well and firm tannins seal the close. ——M.L.(12/1/2010)—— 87