Conterno's 2015 Barbera d'Alba Cerretta is much more expressive today than the Francia. A broad, ample wine, the 2015 is beautifully resonant on the palate, with all of the expansiveness that is so typical of this site. Next to the Francia, the Cerretta is a bit more overt and forthcoming, two qualities that are exactly what makes Barbera so compelling in the first place.

The beautiful 2015 Barbera d'Alba Cerretta shows ripe fruit and evident roundness. The Barbera grape likes a little extra heat and that's exactly what it got during the very warm 2015 growing season. The wine shows an inky dark appearance with little light penetration. The aromas are characterized by fullness and seamless transitions that segue to black fruit, plum, spice, tar and smoky tobacco. This special wine explores the deep and unexpected inner workings of the Barbera grape, offering a surprising level of complexity and nuance along the way. Despite the hot vintage, it does not lack in refreshing acidity. (ML)