2016 Barbera d'Alba
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Barbera d'Alba is a rich, almost uncharacteristically dense wine from Burlotto. Super-ripe dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice and new leather notes wrap around the palate in this fleshy, voluptuous Barbera. Readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this gem. I would prefer to give the 2016 a year or two in bottle to allow some of the baby fat to meld away.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Riper and more defined fruit than the Dolcetto, with sour cherry fruit, bitter chocolate and a long violet fragrance on the finish. Fine-grained tannins. (RH)
The 2016 Barbera d'Alba is made according to simple winemaking criteria to enhance its varietal purity and its traditional appeal. It is refined in large oak botte and sees no other bells or whistles. This is an exceedingly clean and polished expression of Barbera with juicy berry flavors and lively acidity. There is a crunchy sensation as the wine hits the palate. I'm told that the alcohol clocks in at 15%, but honestly, you wouldn't know given the drinking ease of this classic vintage.