Starting with thick concentration and inky darkness, the Luciano Sandrone 2021 Barbera d'Alba has cooked fruit aromas and some savory tones too, such as leather, spice and a hint of dusty licorice root. The style is big, and this wine is conventional with big juicy sensations. It's all very elaborate for a Barbera d'Alba, but we are talking about a vintage that naturally delivers extra concentration. Production is 25,000 bottles.
93 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)
Enticing aromas of tart plums, boysenberries and wildflowers lift from the glass of this energetic and singular Barbera. The fleshy palate is driven by tart blue and black fruits that yield mixed spices and mouthwatering acidity on the finish.
93 points, Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast (Dec 2023)
Inky purple in color, the 2021 Barbera D'Alba is a serious and deep wine with aromas of plum, black licorice, lavender, and smoky cedar. Medium-bodied, it fills the palate with plush tannins, even acidity, a weightless feel, and a touch of warmth on the finish. It’s going to improve if given a chance to rest another year, but it will provide prime drinking over the next 5-6 years.
91 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (May 2024)
This is very attractive with fresh dark and blue fruit together with hints of violets, dried citrus peel and cocoa, following through a medium-bodied, textured and sleek palate with crunchy acidity and vibrant juiciness to the fruit. Drink now.
91 points, James Suckling (Aug 2023)