Barbera d'Asti La Crena

This Barbera presents a curious mix of elegance, vibrancy, and juicy freshness. It greets the nose with pleasant notes of sour cherry, red flowers, chorizo, spices, oak, and a hint of earthiness. However, it struggles with a lack of focus; the flavors are too broad, and its striking youthfulness is evident. The shy tannins clash with the pronounced acidity, resulting in a somewhat shallow experience that misses the mark. Despite the appealing descriptors, the wine lacks excitement and depth, akin to a country lad dreaming beyond his station but without the confidence to truly embrace his origins.

While it might develop with age (though with such a lacking tannin it's more of an experiment), its current state doesn't justify its price tag, offering poor QPR compared to other Barberas I've sampled so far. This wine might pair better with food, but ultimately, it's a choice best approached with common sense and someone else's money.