So delicate, with a light body, easy mouthfeel, and perfumed nose, but at the same time, it is amply vigorous in flavor and length. Rose petals abound on the nose and the succulent mouth, where it shows a minty entry followed by rose petal and sour cherry and rhubarb pie flavors on midpalate and finish. The group drank it up and wanted more.

I should be drinking more vineyard-designate, high-end barbera – every bottle I pick is a winner. Elegant with well-integrated toasted oak, slightly chewy tannins and balanced, but assertive acidity. Pops with intense berry fruit flavors, and shows notes of chocolate shavings for added complexity.

Margaux-like class (in a glass). Elegant on the nose with complex aromas of cedar and leather with a hint of cigar. On the palate it is harmonious with a mid-range body, elegant yet structured – currants and floral elements most prominent.

Love that I held onto this so long. Sampled it first many years ago with the vintner at a retail tasting, with aging the recommened course – glad I listened. Pure and expressive still, with characteristics of plum, mocha, cedary oak.

Eh, very impressed that it was still a tannic monster and had Barolo flavor and aromatic characteristics. Nevertheless, it just didn’t appeal – too much tar and not enough cherry. More time?

This came across as something cool climate to me (when it shouldn’t) with good acidity and length, but I paired it with a BBQ dinner and was expecting something fruity and concentrated to cut through the sauce and burnt ends, and that didn’t happen. Maybe I needed a better decant to let it pick up some weight and stream.

This was good, but as a reserve bottling, I expected more concentration/complexity/pop as compared to the regular bottling which I consider a fine entry at its price point. Currant and blackberry on the fore with some notes of loamy earth and vanilla.

Bought at full price (on store’s rec), but was disappointed to see it closing out at ½ price soon after, causing me to wonder whether there was a problem with the juice. And sure enough, this came across as disjointed, hot, not particularly flavorful, acidic. Flawed?

This is just how I like my barbarescos (and it almost achieved over-performer status on this sheet). Graceful and elegant, coming across as a Barolo-lite with softer tannins but complex flavors and long finishes. Carries flavors of dried cherry and herb (sage, tarragon) from entry to finish, with some light tar notes stitched in. Tannins are present but resolved, open and well knit. In a good drinking window right now.

Oregon pinot from top-flight producers are some of the more reliable buys out there (if you like this kind of stuff) – this was textbook, cool-climate, high-toned pinot fruit that was nicely acidic while showcasing delicious sour cherry fruit follwed by a dark cherry, herbal finish.

This is a new producer for me but I’ve liked everything in their lineup, with a preference for the syrahs over the pinots. The wine is dense and chewy, with briars and brambles competing with blackberry compote and blueberry pie. Can be a bit fatiguing, but overall good quality here.