Utterly magnificent in the glass, 2013 Barbera d’Alba Francia presents a rich, almost demi-glace like texture that envelops the palate. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, hard candy, rose petal and wild flowers all flesh out effortlessly. The 2013 has the energy of a cool, late-ripening vintage, but with striking inner sweetness and depth. Elegant, restrained and sophisticated, the 2013 is another real gem from Roberto Conterno. This is just about as majestic as Barbera gets. -- Antonio Galloni