Appearance: Ruby red, very little sign of aging

Nose: Plum/Berry Jam

Palate: Jam, Black berry, Chocolate, balanced acidity , Tight tannins

Barbera is not a variety I have had much exposure to.  A quick search of the interwebs shows that it is a variety found in the Piedmont region of northern Italy  and is reportedly to be the third largest planting size in Italy. It is often seen as an easy drinking wine best enjoyed young but may also be used as a blending wine.

As a straight varietal I find this wine to fall some where between Hunter Valley Cabernet Sauvigon and Shiraz in terms of style and presentation.

This particular example, showed very little sign of ageing in the glass, with a rich bright ruby red colouration.  The nose exhibited plum and berry jam characters, which were echoed on the palate, this was balanced with tight tannins and good acid balanced.

With this wine already 4 years old at the time of tasting, it looks like it could cellar well for 8+ years

(This wine was purchased by the reviewer and the opinions here are my own)