90
points
Barra 1998 Petite Sirah (Mendocino County)
-
$21
From Redwood Valley, a dark wine the color of ink, with deep, brooding and fun aromas. Try chocolate, charcoal, blackberries, cassis and something smoky-sweet from oak. Drinks extracted and jammy, with flavors of blackberries and black cherries. Has sturdy tannins, although it’s a bit soft. —S.H.
— S.H.
(5/1/2002)
87
points
Barra 1999 Pinot Blanc (Mendocino)
-
$14
You might mistake this for Chardonnay, with the apple and peach flavors, vanilla and oak flavorings, and complexities from what seems like lees aging. It flatters the palate with semi-sweet fruit and rich, almost candied creaminess, but has a refreshing acidity that prevents it from being cloying. —S.H.
— S.H.
(5/1/2002)
84
points
Barra 1999 Pinot Noir (Mendocino)
-
$15
Controversial. Grown in the Redwood Valley, a hot part of inland Mendocino, the argument is that the downright cold nights preserve acidity. But it’s overly soft in the mouth, with berry, peppery flavors that are almost Rhône-like. The tannins are silky enough, but the wine lacks that essential Pinot delicacy. —S.H.
— S.H.
(5/1/2002)