I realize I have a great source here in DC with Bassins.

However, I also wonder if any of the more knowledgeable Italian heads can help with retailers (online or not I'm basically just looking for the ability to ship) wheer I can source older Italians, particularly Piemonte and even more specifically Barbaresco's, in the 10+ year old range with great provenance.

There you have your assignment Italian lovers!

Thanks

Check out www.premiercru.net

Good Italian selection and prices. Especially Piedmonte.

Definitely check out the Italian Wine Merchants, NYC.

http://www.italianwinemerchant.com/

For selection and knowledgeable staff, I think they're tops. Their founder/owner, Sergio Esposito, has recently written a book, Passion on the Vine, on Italian wines.

Agree on IWM, first class operation, with unfortunately first class prices. I used to buy quite a bit from them but it's been a while now. However for aged Italians you can not do better. Ask for Augusto, he always steered me to excellent wines.

i've purchased quite a bit from italian wine merchants. they are expensive, but i am confident the wines i'm buying have been kept in good condition and their service is second to none.

if you ever get to manhattan, i highly recomend going to one of their saturday wine tastings, again, not cheap, but well worth it.

i'm trying to find cheaper alternatives, but it must be someplace i have confidence in.

Good suggestions above. Here's a few other retailers I've sourced from, with good success:

http://www.winelegend.com/
http://www.vinfolio.com/
http://www.primovino.net/
http://www.vinsrare.com/italy-wine-28.html

Italian Wine Merchants

For the West Coast, Biondivino -- but thier website is crap. Call and ask to speak with Ceri (pronounced "Kerry"). She has forgotten more about Italian wine than I have ever learned about anything... and she can get just about anything she doesn't already have. Also not cheap, but service is outstanding.

You can also usually find an eclectic selection here: http://www.mwwinesales.com/stores/category.cfm/storeID/...ategoryID1/7713.html

I know several of us on this board have bought from Michael many times over the past few years and you may have bought from him on WineCommune as well.