2018

100% Barbera. The nose shows black plum aromas, as it opens up it reveals more black and red fruits, vanilla and spicy notes. On the palate, the characteristic freshness is front and center, with a core a fruit and tannins to give balance and length. The finish is very fresh, with bright bursts of fruit and acid.

“The Luciano Sandrone 2018 Barbera d’Alba is a wine of remarkable smoothness and integration. There are absolutely no sharp edges here, as this Barbera is polished and buffed over twice for good measure. It is packed tight with luscious dark fruit and blackberry preserves. That dark core is framed by light touches of Indian spice, campfire ash and truffle. There is a note of cherry sweetness on the close, but it is beautifully softened by all that rich intensity. If you are a fan of the Barbera grape, let me draw your attention to this tremendous value.”

“Barbera’s signature high acidity comes streaming through in the moderate 2018 vintage, infusing this wine’s juicy raspberry and strawberry flavors with verve and energy. The fruit comes from vineyards in Novello and Monforte d”Alba, and the wine rested for one year in French oak tonneaux (25% new), gaining lush tannins and spice notes to balance the racy acidity.”

“A rich, round-textured barbera with plum and berry character and hints of orange peel. It’s full-bodied and velvety. Flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”