2011 Renato Ratti Barbera d'Alba

(this used to be labeled Torreglione, but was changed when the new labeling requirements took effect in 2010): Deep, bright red. Reduced aromas of dark cherry, berries and smoke. Richer and more concentrated than the 2012, in a distinctly more powerful style, but also quite reduced today. Strong acidity and higher alcohol give this wine a rather aggressive character. Has much more material than the 2012 bottling but the younger wine is livelier.