Muddled mulberry, dried oregano, plump dark cherry. Wild blueberry, loose leaf tobacco, sour plum. A crunchy yet concentrated compilation of tart strawberry, mission fig, and red delicious apple highlights a robust yet eccentric fruit core brilliantly complicated by bay leaf, bacon fat, and Earl Grey tea. Intense herbal overtones of sage, basil, thyme, and anise advance natural savory complexities aided by hints of scrub brush, bougainvillea, and ripe tomato. Mocha, crushed graham cracker, and cocoa powder emerge to reveal a subtle pinch of decadence offset by repeated bursts of exotic spices including coriander, cinnamon, and dried red pepper. Earthy impressions of red dust and volcanic soil provide an underlying glimpse of rugged terroir augmented by blood sausage and a delightfully meaty and sanguine edge. Fantastically layered and expressive while remaining exceptionally zippy, fresh, and bright on the palate; exhibiting wonderful depth and density without sacrificing a single drop of tension or balance. Medium bodied with moderate tannin backed by surprisingly high acidity. This 2017 Madhavan Vineyard "Edaphos" Barbera by Ernest Vineyards is a complex, vibrant, and energetic red from Moon Mountain.

Located high above the town of Sonoma on the westward face of the legendary Mayacamas Mountains, Moon Mountain is one of Sonoma County's most historic and revered sub-appellations for producing serious and scintillating red wine. This bottling, crafted by Ernest Vineyards using Barbera sourced from the Madhavan Vineyard in Moon Mountain, showcases this region's inimitably wild and rocky terroir through the lens of a somewhat atypical grape. Despite excellent concentration and plenty of ripeness this wine's story is largely told through an impressive procession of herbal and natural tones, lifted spices, and an incredible savory complexity. It is exceptionally fresh and even crisp on the palate while still exuding tremendous depth of flavor. This is an extremely characterful, adventurous, and delicious creation.