Reviews & Ratings

2005 VJB Barbera (US)

Winery: VJB

Vintage: 2005

Wine Name/Vineyard:

Wine Category: Barbera (US)

Grape blend: 100% Barbera

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Mendocino

State or country: CA

Price: $34

Cases produced: 675

KWG Score: 87.5 (based on 2 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93.99-90)

Review date: May 26, 2008

Wine Review: Very few US producers make Barbera. I find that VJB does a fine job every year with this varietal. This very dark opaque purple wine opens with a very concentrated plum like nose. On the palate, this wine is very lush and shows concentrated spicy plum and blackberry like flavors with a hint of pepper. The finish is quite dry and has nicely integrated tannins that show some length. This wine is a real big boy and could benefit from a little time in the cellar. If you want to enjoy it now, decant it and serve it with a pepper encrusted steak. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: Our fourth vintage of this robust Italian varietal spills over with boysenberry, blackberry and cherry flavor. Intense, rich and lush! Its inky black color and incredible depth of flavor give way to a velvety finish.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Barbera.