Tasted blind against an Italian Barbera at a tasting, this really conveyed what I think of as characteristic Barbera flavor, though I could clearly identify it as the New World selection as the flavor profile was rounder and riper. A number of my guests had never tried Barbera and enjoyed this.
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Inky ruby red, and a crapload of sediment. Strawberry, vanilla, and cinnamon nutmeg. Medium bodied, candied raspberries and bing cherries, a touch of leather, a few sweet tannins, tea, and a short to medium finish. Pretty good, once you get past the chewy bits. Night 2: Even better tonight. Spicy complexity that wasn't there last night. Bumping up a point.
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Smell: Rubber/latex and stewed plums. Taste: Black fruit, currant and nice acidity on the approach and then...nothing. It has no mid-palate or finish. Mouth-feel is very soft, this does not have the tannins to age. Not great, not memorable.
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Smell: Separates into two levels. Top starts out just a bit rubbery and escalates to a gentle burn. Bottom is a ripe berry that starts out shallow and ends up deep. Initial taste: First taste is a bit sour, sharp, and tangy. Fruit overwhelmed me a bit. With the food and a bit more airing, the bite went away. Smooth fruity flow in the center, with a gently rising complexity at the edges and underneath. Good wine, but it lacks much complexity. Food pairing: Tasted after the first couple sips with a pepperoni/peppercini/provolone/salami/lettuce/onion/oil/vinegar sandwich. Taste after 2 hours: This wine opened up fairly well. The fruit is still the primary drive, but there are hints of spice at the edges.
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Tasted really good last night - but then again it was our 4th bottle. Very ripe red with medium body, light tannins, and a good finish. Probably didn't need to drink the whole bottle but we did!
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2/20/2015 - Xfactor wrote: 89 Points
One of the better Cali Barberas. Rich, new world style. Bright red fruit, plenty of oak and black spice, firm acidity.
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12/3/2013 - rxlaw95 wrote: 87 Points
It was good and well made, but for my palette, just a bit over oaked. Paired with pizza and pairs well as it is supposed to.
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11/11/2011 - K is for Kate wrote: 88 Points
Tasted blind against an Italian Barbera at a tasting, this really conveyed what I think of as characteristic Barbera flavor, though I could clearly identify it as the New World selection as the flavor profile was rounder and riper. A number of my guests had never tried Barbera and enjoyed this.
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5/10/2011 - merryberry wrote: 89 Points
Inky ruby red, and a crapload of sediment. Strawberry, vanilla, and cinnamon nutmeg. Medium bodied, candied raspberries and bing cherries, a touch of leather, a few sweet tannins, tea, and a short to medium finish. Pretty good, once you get past the chewy bits.
Night 2: Even better tonight. Spicy complexity that wasn't there last night. Bumping up a point.
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4/14/2011 - LTS wrote:
Drinking beautifully right now.
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11/21/2010 - oog wrote: 84 Points
Smell: Rubber/latex and stewed plums. Taste: Black fruit, currant and nice acidity on the approach and then...nothing. It has no mid-palate or finish. Mouth-feel is very soft, this does not have the tannins to age. Not great, not memorable.
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10/4/2010 - TowerCellar wrote: 87 Points
Smell: Separates into two levels. Top starts out just a bit rubbery and escalates to a gentle burn. Bottom is a ripe berry that starts out shallow and ends up deep.
Initial taste: First taste is a bit sour, sharp, and tangy. Fruit overwhelmed me a bit. With the food and a bit more airing, the bite went away. Smooth fruity flow in the center, with a gently rising complexity at the edges and underneath. Good wine, but it lacks much complexity.
Food pairing: Tasted after the first couple sips with a pepperoni/peppercini/provolone/salami/lettuce/onion/oil/vinegar sandwich.
Taste after 2 hours: This wine opened up fairly well. The fruit is still the primary drive, but there are hints of spice at the edges.
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6/8/2010 - Xfactor wrote:
Black and red raspberries nose and body, light to medium body and moderately dry finish.
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2/27/2010 - haldolugr wrote: 87 Points
Tasted really good last night - but then again it was our 4th bottle. Very ripe red with medium body, light tannins, and a good finish. Probably didn't need to drink the whole bottle but we did!
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