2016 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Martina, Elio Grasso, Piedmont
After the brilliance of 2015, the 2016 Barbera is another knockout. It comes from a specific plot in the heart of the vineyard, named in honour of Gianluca's grandmother (and now daughter). There's notes of ripe dark fruit, flowers, and a hint of ripe tomatoes giving lift. Older bottles we've enjoyed have been stunning: this is one for the long haul.