The 2012 Barbera d'Alba Cascina Francia stands out for its exceptional finesse and delicacy. Sweet rose petals, mint, cinnamon and red berries are all laced together in a soft, polished Barbera long on class and finesse. Perfumed notes continues to open up in the glass, while brighter, more saline-inflected notes give the wine its sense of energy and tension. This is a magnificent showing. Ideally, readers will be able to give the 2012 at least another year or two in bottle.

For beaucratic reasons this is now simply called Francia instead of Cascina Francia. Lovely tangy fruit with tangerines, oranges and plums. Full to medium body, bright acidity and a crisp finish. Velvety texture. A nutty, nutmeg undertone. Savory.

The 2012 Barbera d'Alba Francia is a stunning wine that shows precision, poise and focus. The aromas are fully developed and harmonious with dark berry, blackcurrant, spice and sweet tobacco. The single-vineyard Francia is especially impressive in the mouth thanks to its generous and fleshy texture and the great intensity and persistence of the finish. Barbera is celebrated, or sometimes criticized, for its high acidity. That freshness is expertly managed and tamed in this standout wine. The 2012 vintage was especially kind to Barbera. (Monica Larner)