WINEMAKER'S NOTES:
The wine balances ripe, concentrated fruit and a supple texture with the firm acidity characteristic of Barbera. Inviting  dark cherry, blackberry and coffee aromas lead to rich, mouth-filling plum, berry and black cherry flavors with hints of spice, and a touch of almond and chocolate.   The balance and acidity make it a versatile wine for a wide range of foods.

APPELLATION:
Napa Valley

VINEYARDS:
This vineyard is in Wooden Valley, in the southeastern part of the Napa Valley appellation, on benchland near two streams.   It mainly produces high quality Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, but a block of Barbera represents an inspired match of climate and clone.

The main Barbera clone has small, loose clusters and small berries, in sharp contrast to much of the Barbera grown in California, which typically has much larger clusters and berries.   The clone is so obscure it doesn't have a formal name that we know, so we refer to it with the name of the UC Davis professor who maintained it.   What we do know is that its grapes translate into consistently deep color and concentration.

VINTAGE:
This was a late harvest for this vineyard. Cooler weather in September allowed the grapes to hang longer than usual, contributing to ripe, concentrated flavors and relatively moderate acidity, though with the crispness characteristic of Barbera. The berries were small, intense and flavorful.

COMPOSITION:
Barbera 100%

AWARDS:
Chairman's Award, Unanimous Gold
- Riverside Int'l Wine Competition

Gold Medal
- Florida State Fair

 

Related Information

Alcohol: 14.8%

TA: 0.73

ph: 3.43

Harvest date: 9/27/03

Production: 641 cases

Suggested Retail: $22.00