04 Cameron Hughes, Barbera Sierra Foothills Lot 17
It could pass for great California merlot, and whatever it lacks in semblance to "true" barbera, the wine makes up for in seamless intensity. The tart, grapey taste is almost like bubble gum seasoned with red chili oil. I love the juiciness of this wine, much like the Runquist "barbera," with 14.5% alcohol providing weight, but no heat. What a luscious wine. On top of all that fruit, there's just a hint of earth and a clean finish of chalky, wet stone tannin. Who cares about terroir? I do. But not today.
posted by 750 mL |
What do you think? (5)
5 Comments:
Benjamin, thanks for the comments. Please feel free to recommend some Sierra Foothills wines for me to try. If this barbera is any indication, it is an exciting area for wine right now.
Vino Noceto, Lava Cap, Easton Terra Rouge, Karly, Montevine, Cedarville, Perry Creek.
Thanks Michael (or is it Michel?). This'll give me something to do over the holidays. I've had a couple Perry Creeks, but none of the others.
I havn't had the Cameron Hughes Barbera and will certainly look for it. Another Barbera I can strongly recommend from this area is the Villa Toscano Barbera. If you get a chance to go up to Amador County you will have to go to this winery. They have great wines and the architecture itselt of the winery is beautiful. Well worth visiting. I have reviewed another great Sierra Foothills winery, Mt Vernon, with a great Barbera as well at www.tastesoflife.blogspot.com
I would also suggest Mount Aukum Winery, near Plymouth. A nice range of heartier reds, including a delicious Petit Sirah!
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