Frog's Tooth - 2009 Barbera

This Barbera was tart on the tongue.  It had a slight cherry scent.  The flavor notes were of black berry and a bit of chocolate.

What they say: “This medium to heavy bodied Italian varietal has a great ruby red color and flavors of berry. One of the most food friendly wines available. A great BBQ wine.”

Aerator Used: VinOair

Appellation: Sierra Foothills

Alcohol Content: 15.3%

Cost: $24

http://www.frogstooth.com/

Jeff Runquist – 2009 Barbera

This wine was light and smooth right out of the bottle without decanting.  It is fairly dark with faint legs.  The flavor is quite fruit forward as a result of the rich soil and warm climate of Amador County.  While I didn’t try it, I suspect this wine would go great with BBQ ribs.

What they say: “The 2010 Amador Barbera has a deep garnet purple color with a carmine edge to the hue. The aromas show plenty of black raspberry and dark cherry fruit. The bouquet features toasty oak with notes of mocha and milk chocolate. On the palate this wine has the unique character of being both bright and zesty and also rich and creamy. Fourteen months in small oak barrels has provided the wine with a full texture yet it remains loaded with plenty of red/black fruit flavors. In keeping with our ‘house style’ the tannins are mature and well integrated. The finish is long and harmonious with a toasty oak nuance that lingers long after the wine is gone.” – The following statements were said about the 2010 Barbera of the same vineyard. 

Aerator Used: VinOair

Appellation: Shenandoah Valley, Amador County, CA

Alcohol Content: 14.7%

Cost: $24

http://www.jeffrunquistwines.com/

Villa Toscano - 2009 Barbera

With its long legs and very seep red color.  This Amador red has an earthy scent.  Being an 09, it needs decanting or save it for a while.  Simple aeration won't do the trick this early on.
What they say: "The ruby hued 2009 Barbera has a bouquet full of fresh fruit. Soft, but with a nice structure, which allows the acidic tones Barbera is known for to display on the palate. Packed with dried dark cherry at the front palate with a deep, earthy complexity and lingering finish."


Aerator Used: Houdini


Appellation: Shenandoah Valley, CA

Alcohol Content: 15.4%

Cost: $28


https://villatoscano.com

Amador Cellars - 2009 Barbera

Although I aerated it from the start, this wine could have done with a bit of decanting as it didn’t open up right away.  Once the flavors settled, I found it to be very smooth with a slight tobacco flavor.  It paired great with thin spaghetti with red sauce which included mushrooms, some hamburger, and shrimp.
 

What they say: “Aromas of ripe, tropical fruits with hints of cola, currants and cinnamon spices. Big blueberries on the tongue accompanied by zippy acidity and subtle tannins, giving this wine a very smooth finish.”


 Aerator Used: VinOair


Cost: $25/750ml bottle


http://www.amadorcellars.com/