2 | Wine, Barbera, $20 to $50

"Nose exhibits freshly opened cherry blossoms in spring, light and delicately lifted by oak-imparted vanilla aromas. Bright acidity highlights the entry and finish. Soft tannins in the mid-palate."

"Rich and juicy, this is packed with black cherry, black currant and hints of chocolate and spice flavors. In a modern style, with dense tannins. Shows fine harmony and length."

"Ruby purple color with intense aromas of concentrated ripe red and black cherries with vanilla and hints of brown spice. With refreshing acidity, rich tannins, and on the fuller-bodied side for Barbera, the single vineyard La Scaronne has finesse, excellent balance, great complexity, integration and a long lingering finish."

"The 2008 Barbera d’Alba Cascina Francia is a classic Conterno Barbera. Layers of dark, brooding fruit come forth gradually, along with exotic scents of new leather, licorice, tar and soy that add complexity. This is a decidedly reserved, mineral-driven Barbera that will appeal most to readers who appreciate the focused side of Barbera as opposed to more opulent vintages such as 2007 where the fruit is decidedly forward. The Cascina Francia shows greater richness and density than the Ceretta, suggesting the direction that wine is likely to take in coming years."

"Very pure, offering black cherry and wild berry notes augmented by balsamic and earth accents. Intense, with fine grip and a lingering aftertaste of menthol and tobacco."

"The 2010 Barbera d’Alba Trevigne is another attractive, juicy wine bursting with sweet red fruit, flowers, cloves and new leather. It boasts gorgeous intensity and terrific overall balance to match its classy, elegant personality."

"Massolino’s 2011 Barbera d’Alba is another attractive entry-level offering. Sweet red berries, flowers and spicebox all take shape in the glass. Ideally, the 2011 is best enjoyed over the next few years, while the fruit retains its fresh, vinous personality."