This might have a time and place, but as the last bottle of the night, it's not cutting it. Overall, a rustic character. A bit muddy on the nose, though some high-toned fruit does make an impression in the background. On the palate, I don't care for the flavor profile. Caveat - in general, I'm not a big fan of most Barberas. Initially a bit one dimensional on the palate, this does open up to show some complexity and a relatively rich mouthfeel. I just don't care for the overall mix of aromas and flavors. For me, there's a cardboard oak, but this clearly isn't a function of TCA. I could see this as a nice pairing with a stew or similar foods, but on it's own it comes up short for me.
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Smelled of peat/earth immediately upon opening -- this was almost overpowering for the first 30 min or so. Then dissipated and the wine started to open up. A fair effort from BD, but not one of their greats.
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Nose was better than the mouth, which was slightly astringent and tart, but the nose was nice. Tartness gave way to berries, and green vegetables, with a finish of woody cedar. Decent.
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Very drinkable. Definitely taste the cherries and the cinnamon. Improved after breathing for an hour or two and then really took off the second night tasted.
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10/13/2011 - vanpe003 wrote: 84 Points
This might have a time and place, but as the last bottle of the night, it's not cutting it. Overall, a rustic character. A bit muddy on the nose, though some high-toned fruit does make an impression in the background. On the palate, I don't care for the flavor profile. Caveat - in general, I'm not a big fan of most Barberas. Initially a bit one dimensional on the palate, this does open up to show some complexity and a relatively rich mouthfeel. I just don't care for the overall mix of aromas and flavors. For me, there's a cardboard oak, but this clearly isn't a function of TCA. I could see this as a nice pairing with a stew or similar foods, but on it's own it comes up short for me.
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3/16/2010 - kosinski Likes this wine: 84 Points
Holding up nicely. No longer requires decanting. Good balance of dark fruits and acidity. Nice pairing with pasta and red sauce.
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11/22/2008 - braduwhusky wrote: 85 Points
Smelled of peat/earth immediately upon opening -- this was almost overpowering for the first 30 min or so. Then dissipated and the wine started to open up. A fair effort from BD, but not one of their greats.
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4/14/2007 - mmyette wrote: 85 Points
Nose was better than the mouth, which was slightly astringent and tart, but the nose was nice. Tartness gave way to berries, and green vegetables, with a finish of woody cedar. Decent.
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9/17/2006 - BSpdx wrote: 88 Points
Very drinkable. Definitely taste the cherries and the cinnamon. Improved after breathing for an hour or two and then really took off the second night tasted.
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