Excellent Barbera from the Sierra Foothills of California, we review the Lava Cap Barbera.
Barbera grown in volcanic soils at an elevation of 2,700 feet in estate vineyards in the Sierra Foothills of California. The wine is aged in barrel for 18 months. Just 2,000 cases were produced.
We big fans of Lava Cap Winery as well as Italian varietals grown in this area, so let’s check this one out!
Sample submitted for review. The 2023 Lava Cap Barbera has an SRP of $30 and is available for as low as $24.
From the winery:
Tasting Notes: Barbera, a grape native to the rolling hills of Northern Italy, thrives in the Sierra Foothills, and particularly on our volcanic soil at our elevation of 2,700ft. The combination of warm days, cool nights, and rocky, steep hillsides allow us to make a rich, yet elegant wine that showcases notes of vanilla, cherry, and earth. Juicy, bright berry flavors fill the rich full-bodied mouth. Light tannins allow for a long soft finish.
Vineyard Notes: Planted on North-West facing hillside that opens to the vast American River canyon on the lower portion of Lava Cap’s Estate vineyards, the Barbera is grown on some of our steepest and rockiest hillsides. The location receives ample warm afternoon sunlight, while reliable evening breezes from high in the Sierra Nevada Mountain cool the site. The rocky substrate helps rein in vigor, concentration the production of color and flavor. The combination of these environmental factors leads to a Barbera that showcases remarkable concentration of both color and aromas, without sacrificing this grapes signature acidity and brightness. A wonderful accompaniment to dinner, or on its own.
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Winemaker Notes: One of the most enjoyable wines to make, and certainly one of the most under appreciated red wines in the world, the grapes always carry ample acidity, bright color, and incredible aromatics. We ferment our Barbera at low temperatures over 2 weeks, after which it is pressed and racked to neutral French oak barrels. The wine receives one racking post ML before eventually being blended after 18 months of aging.
Harvest Date: October, 2023
Bottled: June, 2025
pH: 3.45
Cases Produced: 200015% Alcohol
The 2023 Lava Cap Barbera begins with a very cohesive aroma filled with those signature Barbera bright cherry and mixed berry notes, plus spice, vanilla and hints of earthy forest floor. It’s a wonderful start.
Taking a sip reveals a smooth and sweet tasting but dry wine. I love that Barbera fruit – tart mixed berries all the way! Featuring similar flavors to the nose, this is a great example of the variety.
It ends dry, tart and quite long on the lovely finish. Somehow it was even better on day 2 where it continued to be juicy, tart and just delicious! We’ll put this at the high end of our 9 Taste Rating. Buy it if you can find it.
You can find more of our favorite Barbera here.
Review Summary
Lava Cap Barbera Review • Reverse Wine Snob
Excellent Barbera from the Sierra Foothills of California, we review the Lava Cap Barbera.
7
Pros
- 92-93 points
- Absolutely delicious example of the variety
Cons
- Will be hard to find
- Almost $25 a bottle
