2016 Walker Vineyard Barbera - L.A. Lepaine

Tart black plum, sun-dried tomato, spiced maraschino cherry. Orange pulp, bay leaf, raspberry preserve. Cactus flower and smashed rose petal, dried oregano and thyme sprig. Pure, juicy, almost sappy fruit dominates the initial attack giving up generous portions of bruised strawberry, gogi berry, and fig. Brambly underbrush interjects to contribute slightly wild underpinnings before rosemary and tomato skin turn the scene noticeably savory. Asphalt and hot rocks lie waiting on the finish to add just a touch of warm earth that balances itself out nicely behind the forward fruit. Fresh, lean, and food friendly; medium plus in body with light tannin and medium acidity. This 2016 Walker Vineyard Barbera by L.A. Lepaine is a unique and interesting Italian red from Santa Barbara County.

Native to the region of Piedmont in northwestern Italy, Barbera is a black-skinned grape variety that is known to produce fresh, juicy, and delicious wine. This bottling, crafted by L.A. Lepiane using Barbera sourced from the Walker Vineyard in the Los Olivos District of Santa Barbara County, is a great example of what this crowd-favorite grape can do when grown outside of Italy. While this wine initially appears to be fruit-driven and ripe it reveals delicious spiced and savory nuances upon further investigation, and remains drinkable and unpretentious with authentic Italian charm present within its bright Californian exterior. This is a fun and well made bottle we picked out from Tasting Merchants, and it certainly warrants its extremely modest price tag.