2010 Vietti Barbera d'Asti La Crena
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Tasting notes
I had hoped Vietti's 2010 Barbera d'Asti La Crena would find its balance in bottle, but, sadly, it has not. The aromatics and fruit are both unfocused and lack the precision that is typical here. There is good weight in the glass, but that is not enough to overcome the issues that persist. The 2010 La Crena is a rare miss from Vietti.
Critic scores
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
(Currado holds this wine back for 6 to 12 months in bottle because it needs longer aging "to get mild"; from vines planted in 1932): Bright dark red. Powerful, musky, slightly rustic nose; smells like a wine with high acidity. Then suave and fine-grained on the palate, with black fruit, herb and licorice flavors enlivened by slightly tart acidity. This very tight, sinewy barbera calls for at least a year or two of patience.
Deep crimson ruby. Meaty savoury on the nose and lively and vibrant and sweet with lovely tannic grip on the finish. Great stuff. (WS)
The 2010 Barbera d’Asti Superiore Nizza La Crena delivers a dark, penetrating color with appropriately ripe aromas of plum, black fruit and even a touch of dried apricot. There’s a leathery, savory quality to the wine that gives it an austere and mysterious personality. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. If forced to inhabit a desert island that only served the wines of a single producer, I would want Luca Currado to be that supplier. He excels at everything he does from his castle perch at the heart of Castiglione Falletto. Despite the difficult 2009 season, his wines remain extraordinary. In fact, they are among the best I tasted from the vintage. Importer: Dalla Terra Winery Direct, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405