2023 Barbera
Tasting Notes
Our 2023 Barbera is a medium-bodied Italian varietal showcasing an elegant spectrum of red and dark fruit. The bouquet reveals notes of pie cherry, raspberry compote, and red licorice. On the palate, vibrant acidity is complemented by flavors of pomegranate, blackberry jam, and anise, with subtle hints of eucalyptus and strawberry preserves. The finish highlights the wine’s lively acidity and refined tannins, with lingering layers of red berry complexity. This wine is recommended for enjoyment now through 2043, with optimal maturity anticipated around 2037.
Vineyard Designation
100% Estate Grown
Vintage Notes
The 2023 vintage in Washington State was what we like to call a “normal” year. A mild winter gave way to a cool early spring, followed by record-high temperatures in mid-April that jump-started vine growth. Steady spring weather allowed for healthy development and well-balanced crop loads. June and July brought intense heat (among the hottest on record), accelerating ripening and leading to slightly lower natural acidity. Despite the rapid pace, 2023 produced an exceptional vintage. The whites are vibrant with tropical fruit and crisp acidity, while the reds show depth, dark berry flavors, refined tannins, and great aging potential.
Winemaking Notes
Our Barbera represents only a small portion of our estate vineyard (¼ acre), farmed specifically for a high-end reserve-tier wine. Harvested at peak ripeness in early October, the grapes were destemmed without crushing and optically sorted. Known for their fleshy skins and abundant juice, Barbera requires careful extraction due to its naturally high acidity. The fruit was transferred to a small 2-ton fermenter and underwent gentle fermentation with two punch-downs daily. After alcoholic fermentation, the wine was separated from the skins, delicately pressed, and transferred to French oak barrels, where it was inoculated for malolactic fermentation. Upon completion, the lees were stirred twice monthly over three months to enhance roundness and support natural fining. The wine was matured for 22 months in a combination of 40% one- and two-year-old French oak and 60% three-year-old French oak barrels, preserving its vibrant red fruit while achieving a balanced finish that complements, rather than dominates, the wine’s flavors and aromas. This wine reflects our commitment to precise vineyard management and highlights Washington State’s suitability for cultivating premium varietals from diverse origins.
* Produced in a Vegan Manner (No animal byproducts used in the production of this wine)
Food Pairing
Eggplant Parmesan with melted mozzarella and fresh basil
Margherita pizza with heirloom tomatoes and creamy burrata
Creamy risotto with Italian sausage, fennel, and parmesan
Grilled portobello mushrooms with balsamic reduction and fresh thyme
Stuffed bell peppers with rice, herbs, and garlic
- Varietal Composition: 100% Barbera
- Appellation: Yakima Valley
- Aging / Barrel Program: 22 months in French oak (45% 1 to 2-year-old barrels, 55% 3-year-old barrels)
- Cases Produced: 69
- Alcohol: 13.9%
- pH: 3.29
- Acidity: 7.4 g/L
- Ageability: Enjoy now through 2043, with optimal maturity expected in 2037.