A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Barbera d’Asti, the 2009 Alterego flows across the palate with layers of dark plums, grilled herbs and tobacco, all supported by fine, silky tannins. The mid-weight, gracious finish adds to the wine’s balance and early appeal. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 256-2700

The 2008 Alterego is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Barbera. It possesses tons of class and personality from start to finish. Dark fruit, grilled herbs, crushed rocks and flowers are just some of the notes that emerge from this Bordeaux-styled red. Gorgeous perfumed notes round out the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023. Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners, Napa, CA; Tel. (707) 256-2700

The 2007 Alterego is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Barbera d’Asti. Dark cherries, plums, licorice and French oak come together beautifully on a mid-weight frame. Sweet, silky tannins frame the racy finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 256-2700

The 2006 Alterego (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Barbera) presents layers of dark fruit, herbs and spices in a wonderfully nuanced, finessed style. The wine retains lovely freshness and inner perfume throughout, with plenty of vibrancy to insure fine drinking over for a number of years. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. Coppo – one of Piedmont’s historic properties – makes a wide range of wines but they seem to do best when they kept things simple, as some of the wines remain excessively oaked and heavy.A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Coppo's proprietary red, Alter Ego, is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Barbera, and 5% Freisa. The 1997 Alter Ego possesses red currant and cherry fruit, toasty new oak, medium body, fine ripeness, and a moderately concentrated finish. A Leonardo Locascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620