Portalupi Barbera Shake Ridge Ranch

Excellent red. Balanced with good but not overpowering tannins. Spicey nose. The Shake Ridge Ranch vineyard has always produced superb Barbera and Zinfandels and this is no exception.

Drank by the glass at California Wine Merchant in SF. Quite pleasant on the nose, with notes of dark plum, black pepper, cinnamon, blackberry. Unfortunately less impressive on the palate. Tastes fine, but one dimensional with low acidity and a short finish. Not a bad wine by any stretch and I would drink this at a brunch, but for the price, a bit disappointing. 86 points.