A few years ago we visited Giuseppe Vajra in Barolo and tasted through Vajra's extensive portfolio of Barolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Freisa, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Afterward, Giuseppe offered a preview taste of a new partnership between Vajra and Luigi Baudana. The Baudana Barolos from the 2008 vintage were captivating: quintessentially traditional Serralunga Barolo from an artisan of great commitment to the region's history. The wines were of unwavering character: the tarry richness of Serralunga, the impossible counterpoint of powerful, stony earth and silky rose petals, expressing the signature combination of strength and beauty that makes Barolo like no other wine on earth. Here is the latest 2010 Barolo release from LUIGI BAUDANA produced and vinified by G. D. Vajra. Salute'!

2010 LUIGI BAUDANA Barolo "Baudana" 95+ pts. $75; Special offer $63.75!

"The 2010 Barolo Baudana bursts from the glass with tons of energy and intensity. Black cherries, smoke, wild herbs, licorice and tar form a compelling backdrop of aromas, flavors and textures as this dazzling, explosive Barolo opens up in the glass. The huge, searing tannins are going to require time to settle, so readers need to be patient. This is a classic Serralunga Barolo built on power and structure. Hints of rose petal lavender and crushed rocks add nuance on the finish. 95+ pts." --A. Galloni, Vinous

2010 LUIGI BAUDANA Barolo "Cerretta" 95 pts. $75; Special offer $63.75!

"A darker and more voluptuous expression of Serralunga emerges from the 2010 Barolo Cerretta, which presents softer contours than the Baudana and the straight Barolo. Layers of expressive dark red fruit virtually cover the tannins in a Barolo built on texture and roundness. I imagine the Cerretta will drink well relatively young within the context of 2010 Barolo. 95 pts." -- A. Galloni, Vinous

To purchase, call 978-369-2545 or email. 

While we at VINTAGES need little prompting to uncork a bottle of Nebbiolo, there are still many wine lovers who haven't yet discovered the pleasures of this truly noble grape. This month's "Wine School" column from NY Times Eric Asimov features Nebbiolo, focusing on classics from Piedmont's Langhe region. VINTAGES offers a wide seletion of well-priced nebbiolos, and this month, you save 15%! 

2011 VIETTI Langhe Nebbiolo "Perbacco" $26; now $22.10

2012 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO Langhe Nebbiolo $19.99; now $16.99

Don't miss these great values in nebbiolo:

2011 ALESSANDRIA Langhe Nebbiolo "Prinsiot" $26; spec. $22.10

2012 CANTINA del PINO Langhe Nebbiolo $25; spec. $21.25

2012 BURLOTTO Langhe Nebbiolo $25; spec. $21.25

2012 BREZZA Langhe Nebbiolo $19.99; spec. $16.99

2011 ALBINO ROCCA Nebbiolo d'Alba $30; spec. $25.50

2009 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO "Torre" $35; spec. $29.75

2010 BREZZA Barolo docg $40; spec. $34

Click to see entire article. 

2009 CASANOVA di NERI BRUNELLO 93 pts. Reg. $60; Special $36-- 40% off!

"An impressive and impeccable wine that delivers a slow and sensual progression on the palate. Along the way, it leaves a steady stream of ripe fruit, spice, tobacco, licorice and balsam herb that is both impactful and vibrant. The wine's aromas are very well-delineated, clean and never color outside the lines. The textural fabric of the wine is velvety and rich, thanks to a long 43 months in oak. Drink: 2016-2026. 93 pts." --WA

2009 CASANOVA di NERI BRUNELLO Tenuta Nuova 93 pts. Reg. $110; Special $66--40% off!

"Vivid red. Captivating aromas of raspberry, sour red cherry, redcurrant, brown sugar, cinnamon and minerals, lifted by a strong note of fresh citrus fruit. Vibrant flavors of red and black fruits, pink peppercorn and sweet spices are wonderfully pure and juicy. This sneakily concentrated yet refined wine shows a rare blend of power and delicacy and finishes extremely long, with very fine-grained tannins and truly mind-blowing purity of small red fruits and violet. Impeccable balance only adds to its star qualities. One of the best young Tenuta Nuovas I have ever tried and it's also one of the two or three best Brunellos of the vintage. 93 pts." --Vinous

Come in or call 978-369-2545 or 617-484-4560 to get these great savings! Both stores. 

2011 MONTEVERTINE Le Pergole Torte 97 pts. $115; Pre-buy 15% off

"A vivid, beautiful wine, the 2011 Pergole Torte is superb. Warm, early-maturing harvests often attenuate the differences between sites, but not here. The old vines weathered the heat better, resulting in a wine that is very much in line with the past, but with more body, amplitude and resonance. Rose petals, bright red stone fruits and mint are some of the many notes that grace the super-expressive finish. The 2011 spent one year in French oak barrels and a second year in cask. 97 pts." -- Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Arrives next week, quantities limited, reserve today!   

Email or call 978-369-2545 or 617-484-4560. 

With more snow predicted, it's time to stock up! In your next mixed case, try a refreshing red and white from Italy's Marche region at equally refreshing prices:

2011 POLITI Marche Rosso "Case di Terra" $12.99

Juicy blend of Sangiovese, Montelpulciano and Syrah with satisfying sweet tannins on the finish. Terrific! 

2012 POLITI Verdicchio "Loretello" $12.99

Refreshing dry, textured white with notes of citrus and oyster shell. Delicious!