Showing extra power and extraction, the Cascina delle Rose 2020 Barbera d'Alba Superiore Donna Elena (with 3,000 bottles made) takes the intensity of the grape up a notch or two. That intensity (and the 15% alcohol content) is shaped by a hot and sunny vintage. Barbera loves the heat and returns the favor with dried blackberry, baked plum and light spice. The varietal acidity is intact over a very smooth and rich mouthfeel. This wine plays its strongest cards on the palate.

These organic wines from Cascina delle Rose all show fantastic primary intensity and brightness. The 2018 Barbera d'Alba Superiore Donna Elena climbs up a notch in terms of ripeness and concentration, showing dark currant and dried blackberry. That aromatic performance concludes with bitter almond and some lightly toasted spice. This wine could match a simple grilled steak or meatloaf, thanks to the grape's natural acidity. Some 3,500 bottles were released.

The Cascina delle Rose 2017 Barbera d'Alba Superiore Donna Elena is a ripe and almost impenetrable wine with a dark and thickly saturated appearance. The fruit is a little too ripe in my opinion, and although Barbera is a notorious sun-seeker, this vintage pushes the limits. It shows dried cherry, blackberry confit and sweet prune. Barbera is always saved by its natural acidity. The grape's freshness swoops in to give some much needed brightness against those very ripe and sweet flavors (and the wine's 15% alcohol content). Some 5,000 wines were released.

The 2016 Barbera d'Alba Superiore Donna Elena, tasted from barrel, is a succulent and overripe expression that is woven throughout with odd, contrasting tones of sweetness and sourness. It is behaving awkwardly, at least at this early point in the wine's life. Some 5,400 bottles were made.

Here's a warm vintage loved by the Barbera grape. The 2015 Barbera d'Alba Superiore Donna Elena is very smooth and silky in texture with lots of dark fruit to accompany your senses. Despite the exuberance of the fruit, this remains an elegant and subdued expression of Barbera to pair with chicken with rosemary and roasted potatoes.