2011 Barbera d'Alba
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Tasting notes
(14.5% alcohol; bottled in April of this year): Bright red with ruby highlights. Sexy liqueur-like ripeness to the expressive aromas and flavors of black cherry, raspberry and espresso, but sound acidity gives this broad, rather powerful and dense barbera a solid underlying structure. Compelling sweetness gives the finish substantial sexy appeal. Bruna Giacosa, who noted that 2011 was a very good vintage for barbera, told me that this wine is carrying 30 grams per liter of dry extract, a level that compares favorably to many Barolos and Barbarescos.
Critic scores
Average Score
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Barbera d'Alba (fruit from three different sources) is enormously soft and plush in the mouth with ripe blackberry and plum throughout. Some 14 months of barrel give the wine extra texture and softness on the finish. Anticipated maturity. 2014-2020. With the return of winemaker Dante Scaglione in 2011, the wines of Bruno Giacosa (-the genius of Neive-) continue to impress. Bruna Giacosa, Bruno-s daughter, has taken over daily operations at the winery since her father suffered a stroke in 2006. Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 256-2700
The 2011 Barbera d'Alba (fruit from three different sources) is enormously soft and plush in the mouth with ripe blackberry and plum throughout. Some 14 months of barrel give the wine extra texture and softness on the finish. Anticipated maturity. 2014-2020. Jun 2013, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Bruno Giacosa – now run by daughter Bruna – is a cult Nebbiolo producer, that has consistently made some of the best single-vineyard Barbaresco and Barolo from the 1960s onwards. The“red-label” Riservas are some of the finest and most collectable wines in Italy.