The vintages of the 1990s have, for the most part, been fantastic for the Langhe district and neighboring zones (excluding the poor 1992 and 1994 and the mediocre 1991 and 1993). Although some winemakers claim that 1997 deserves to be called the vintage of the century, others feel that it might be 1999--though 1998 was pretty good, too. In any case, the Barolos and the Barbarescos from these years show great promise (only the 1997 Barbarescos are currently available). Meanwhile, the 1995 Barolos and 1996 Barbarescos on the market now are all worth buying. Look too for the delicious 1997 and 1998 Dolcettos and Barberas. The downside to five years of great vintages? Prices will most likely rise.