Peterson Barbera Tollini Vineyard 2020 Mendocino

Tasting Notes: A deep, rich berry essence fills the nose while traces of fine herbs, toasty oak and fresh ground black pepper add dimension to the tempting aromas. The round entry quickly reveals an array of red fruit—bright cherry, pomegranate and a hint of huckleberry. Dark, ripe Bing cherry flavors appear on the edges of the palate, integrating into the lengthy finish. With a slightly chewy texture, this Barbera walks the line between robust and accessible with lovely forward fruit.

From The Winery: Long time Peterson wine devotees might fondly recall the original Peterson Barbera that we produced from 1994 through 1998. The grapes came from a small block of Barbera that I planted in 1989 on the “bench” overlooking our red barn winery on the Norton Ranch. Though we never produced much of this Barbera, it was a wine we loved to grow and make (as well as drink), and
it developed a fervent following among our customers.

Over the last 20-plus years working with Alvin Tollini, I’ve come to respect his abilities as a grower and the suitability of his properties for producing intense, yet balanced red wines. When Alvin mentioned to me that he had a field on “Granddad’s Ranch” that he was ready to plant, I immediately thought of Barbera. I believed the site’s gravelly, well-drained red clay soil could produce a worthy successor to the Norton Ranch Barbera. The 2020 is our eleventh vintage from this block.

As a 100% varietal from Tollini Vineyard, it truly showcases what the grape is capable of when grown in the right location. This wine hits the high notes, with power and depth behind it, and a purity and clarity one would expect from this ancient varietal.