The Havills grow Primitivo, Zinfandel, Grenache, Vermentino, Grenache Blanc, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Mourvedre, sustainably without pesticides, as well as three types of olives.
The 2016 Bella Grace Amador County Barbera was made using grapes from five different vineyards: Cooper, Baartman, Crain-Sleeper and Wilderotter vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley appellation, and Shake Ridge Vineyards elsewhere in Amador County. The wine was aged for 21 months in new French oak barrels. Alcohol hits 14.5% abv and sells for $33.
This wine comes on with a bit too much oak for me. Bright cherries and spice on the nose are obscured by the wood effect, but it's not so pronounced on the palate. There's great fruit here when it shines through. Firm tannins beg for meat. Sausages? Bolognese sauce?
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