Toasted nut is contrasted against sour berry fruit in the 2012 Barbera d'Alba S. Stefano. This is a simple, one-dimensional wine. Only 3,000 bottles were made.

The 2001 Barbera d’Alba Santo Stefano, an agreeable wine in the past but nothing at all like this version. It is full of ripe fruit, balanced oak spice, vigor, and a sweet and sustained finish. Drink over the next 3-4 years. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200 and JAO Wine Imports (703) 628-9615