Giacomo Conterno Conterno Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia 2022 750ml

Rich and explosive from the get-go, all the elements of the 2021 Barbera d’Alba Vigna Francia are massively dialed up. Black cherry, plum, incense, licorice, mocha and sage all rush from the glass. Dynamic and vibrant to the core, the 2021 is seriously impressive. (Antonio Galloni)

The 2021 Barbera Cascina Francia was tasted from barrel and pours a rich youthful ruby/purple color. Mineral-tinged with graphite, black raspberry, and violets, it is medium-bodied on the palate, with refined tannic structure, great freshness, and a red plum and more violet perfume. Gorgeous and pure, warmth and freshness at the same time, this is as good as it gets for Barbera. Drink 2024–2040.

This is very open with juicy fruit and orange peel undertones. Succulent. Full and layered. Yummy fruit. Drink now. (James Suckling)

The 2022 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia is a delicate, understated wine, surprisingly so in this intensely warm, dry year. Sweet red-toned cherry/plum fruit, blood orange and floral top notes are beautifully delineated. Silky tannins wrap it all together in style. I expected to see a more opulent Barbera here. Instead, the 2022 is a bit compact today. That may serve it well over the coming years, hence my optimism about its future prospects. (Antonio Galloni)