"Conterno's 2013 Barbera d'Alba Francia is dark, piercing and intensely mineral. Graphite, smoke, black cherries and crushed rocks open up in a powerful, intense Barbera that is going to need at least a few years in bottle to settle down. The Francia Barbera is usually quite savory and mineral. In 2013, those qualities are pushed forward, with the vibrancy acidity of the vintage front and center. The 2013 will appeal most to readers who enjoy pulsating, tense Barberas. Hints of violet and lavender add the final nuances of complexity."