January 14, 2024 - My first four bottles had some must on the nose upon opening. Couple did not blow off.
This one opened up beautifully. Definitely the best of the half case so far.
Nice big round full Barbara d’Alba.
April 4, 2023 - After about 30 minutes the leather subsided on the nose leaving sweat oriental sauce, summer herbs and tart berries on the nose. Tart red fruits and soft tannins on the palate. Good acidity and freshness on the fruit. Finish is moderately long.
February 10, 2023 - Rich barbera, still fruit after 13 years. Love that I still have more bottles of this one.
May 21, 2022 - Still fruity nose, but recommended to drink within next few years
May 13, 2014 - Deep dark red.
Rich plums, earthy, slightly meaty, blood and iron filings, some graphite. Lovely high toned floral scents, violet mainly.
Plums, prunes, red cherry, deep fruit flavours. Some dark edges of graphite and tar. A very nice rich profile. Crisp acid and fine tannins, slightly tart on the finish. Enjoyable, robust drink.
May 1, 2014 - Overly acidic today, with restrained fruit and tannins with a bite. Impression is of little hollow, slightly short. But there is intensity and concentration.
Should definitely improve over some 10 years or so.
Too pricey for what it is. (at least in Japan.)
Wife: 86p
At La Verdura (Yokohama)
January 11, 2014 - This wine has drunk really well over the last few years and continues to improve. Mauve/purple colour, translucent. Warm, red fruits on the nose. Medium bodied, shows the warm year in being quite ripe but just has enough acidity to keep it fresh. I tend to the warmer years for Barbera I think. Very nice drinking.