Renato Ratti Barbera d'Alba Torriglione 2008

Cherry and raspberry up front, with licorice and a riper undercurrent of dried plum hinting at the warm vintage. Smooth and generous through the mid-palate, where a leathery note adds complexity to the dark fruit. The acidity is firm but well-integrated, giving the wine lift and keeping it from feeling heavy. Fine-grained texture and good persistence, this barbera drinks riper than Ratti's 2008 dolcetto, though the structure holds it together.