We don’t produce a lot of Zinfandel. At most Novy has produced 300 cases of Zinfandel and, from the 2004 vintage, the number isn’t even that high. So introducing a new vineyard-designated wine is a big deal. But the Barbieri Vineyard is a pretty special vineyard and this is a truly special wine. The Barbieri Vineyard was planted in 1905 by Italo Barbieri in the cool Russian River Valley. For many years this wine was vineyard designated by DeLoach Winery and produced some outstanding wines. The vineyard is now owned by Mike Feeney who has graciously allowed us to purchase a small quantity of these fantastic grapes.

We produced only 3 barrels of 2004 Novy Barbieri Zinfandel. One of these barrels was new oak, the other two being a 1 year-old and a 2-year old French oak barrel. The wine remained in these barrels until bottling, by gravity and by hand, both unfiltered and without fining.

Upon opening the 2004 Novy Barbieri Vineyard Zinfandel reveals its youth. It really needs to sit open for an hour or so to start showing its stuff. As it opens, the wine displays a caramel and cinnamon character along with intense dark berry fruit flavors. In the mouth it is concentrated, but surprisingly well balanced with a sweet, woodsy, oak finish. We think this wine should only improve with 6 months or more of aging, but if you insist on opening one now make sure and give it some time to breathe to truly enjoy this special, old-vine wine.

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