2018 Luciano Sandrone Barbera d'Alba

Luciano Sandrone is one of the most iconic producers in Barolo, and he is both a well-known and extraordinary story. Sandrone’s wines straddle the modern and traditional styles of the region: elegant, attractive, and easy to appreciate in their youth, but still possesses the power and structure. Sandrone focuses on extremely low yields with obsessive attention to detail to his viticultural standards. Luciano subjects his wines to a shorter maceration period and makes limited use of new oak. The entire range of his limited production wines are jewels of impeccably balanced concentration and precision and have an impressive ability to age for decades. These rare treasures are hard to come by, don't let this be the one that got away.

Originally native of the Monferrato hills, in the second half of the nineteenth century Barbera vines were planted in Roero and then in Langa. On these hills it thrived, often in competition with Nebbiolo, in the most suitable spaces where marl and compact soils prevail and where Barbera flourishes in the sunniest parcels. From this special symbiosis, the wine Barbera d'Alba is born, fruity and tangy, another star of the vineyard and of the cellar.

Grapes are hand-harvested, the wine matures for 15 months in wooden barrels, a good part of which are new and best balance the natural fruity and fresh texture of the wine with soft tannins.

Red Wine. 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. ~94 Wine Advocate

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. ~92 Wine & Spirits

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. ~92 James Suckling

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