Barboursville
Barboursville Merlot
4.3
Expert Rating
3.2
Regularly Reviewed
2017
750 mL
WINE DESCRIPTION
Barboursville Merlot hails from the state of Virginia. The wine is produced by Barboursville Vineyards, notable for being Virginia’s first wine estate dedicated to growing European, vitis vinifera grapes. The estate is owned by Italian, Gianni Zonin. The grapes are sourced from carefully selected blocks of the Goodlow Mountain vineyard. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks on skins to create a moderately tannic, fresh, fruity red. Finally, the wine is matured for around 12 months in a combination of new and used French oak barriques to add a layer of sweet oak spice and round out the mouthfeel.
NOTES FROM VINOVOSS SOMMELIER
Barboursville Merlot offers an array of ripe red fruits, such as strawberries, blackberries and plums, accompanied by subtle hints of vegetal notes hinting at bell pepper and jalapeños that lend a refreshing aromatic lift to the wine.The aromas are offset by wood spice notes of vanilla and clove, giving a sense of elegance to the wine. The palate is smooth and well-balanced, with supple tannins that provide a pleasant, round mouthfeel. The flavors of red and dark plums continue to shine through, complemented by notes of dark chocolate and a touch of oak. The wine has a medium body and a moderate length finish.
EXPERT RATING
4.3
DRINKING WINDOW
Now
2025
Profile
Sweetness:
Dry
Dry
Lusciously Sweet
Alcohol:
Moderate
Non-Alcoholic
Very High
Intensity:
Mildly aromatic
Subtle
Powerful
Body:
Generous
Light Bodied
Full Bodied
Acidity:
Lean
Soft
Crisp
Tannin:
Grainy
No Tannin
Grippy
GRAPES (1)
Merlot
ORIGINS
Winery: Barboursville
Region: Virginia
Virginia is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States. It is bordered by Maryland, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to the south and west; Pennsylvania to the north; and Delaware to the east. With a long history of winemaking, Virginia is now one of the most exciting wine regions in the US.
Virginia has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the early 1600s when the first vines were planted by English settlers. The state was once home to the largest wine-producing region in the US, but Prohibition in the 1920s put an end to the industry. In the late 20th century, the industry began to revive, and today Virginia is home to over 300 wineries.CUSTOMER RATING
3.2
0 Reviews
This wine pairs well with...
