2017 Barbera d'Alba
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Tasting notes
Even better, the 2017 Barbera boasts a saturated purple color as well as a ripe, powerful, undeniably sexy bouquet of mulled blueberries, candied violets, orange blossom, and cedary spices. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and opulent on the palate, it still has good overall freshness, ripe yet present tannins, and a great finish. You certainly see the warmer, Mediterranean style of the vintage and this puppy is loaded with character. Drink it any time over the coming 3-5 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Tim Jackson MW, jancisrobinson.com
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Ripeness is pushed to the edge in the 2017 Barbera d'Alba, a wine that very much shows the flamboyance of the year. Super-ripe red cherry, red plum, exotic flowers and sweet spice all race out of the glass in a hedonistic, full-throttle wine loaded with personality. There is zero subtlety here, but the wine is undoubtedly very pretty.
Pitch black. Enticing, lifted and lively nose of black fruit. Vibrant palate of high-pitched, black fruit and silky tannins and hardly any oak, putting the vibrant fruit centre stage. Long, sleek and refreshing. Truly notable and from the hottest vintage on record. (WS)
The 2017 Barbera d'Alba is a child of a hot vintage, and there's no missing its correspondingly sweet and dark fruit flavors. This vintage actually makes for an especially vibrant expression of Barbera, with solid notes of prune and spice. The fruit comes from parcels between Monforte d'Alba and Novello, from higher elevations where there is more wind and coolness. There is a pretty sweetness here and a nice balance and freshness considering the heat. You might pair this one with a beef-and-beet borscht topped with sour cream and dill.
About the producer
Luciano Sandrone is a name synonymous with the highest standards of Barolo winemaking. Founded in 1978, this family-owned estate has become a modern icon, earning international acclaim for its meticulous wines and thoughtful, site-driven approach to Nebbiolo.