Vietti Barbera D'Asti La Crena Barbera 2018 DOC

Tasting notes: Rich ruby color with concentrated ripe aromas of red raspberry and cherry with a touch of vanilla, toast and spice. On the richer side of Barbera with lush fruit, well balanced acidity, good integration of oak and a long lingering finish. Reviews: Wine Advocate: 93 Points "This is a gorgeous wine so creamy and rich. Luca Currado has hit the magic button here with the 2016 Barbera d'Asti La Crena. Beautifully ripe and succulent and teeming with generous layers of bright fruit this expression is opulent and complete. The vines used here in the so-called Vigna del Nove parcel are from the 1930s with the first edition of La Crena produced by Vietti in 1996. This is a particularly elegant vintage spreading vibrantly over the entire mouthfeel. I'd preserve the texture by serving it only with some light crackers and aromatic cheeses. Some 8000 bottles were made." Vinous: 92 Points The 2016 Barbera d'Asti La Crena is going to need many years to be at its most expressive. Then again that is La Crena. Today the 2016 is rich dense and super-concentrated with huge layers of fruit that cover the subtler notes that come through after several years in bottle. The energy and tension that are typical of Asti come through on the finish. -- Antonio Galloni