New Release: Lot 888 2021 High Valley Barbera
A family-made, award-winning, everyday sipper that rises above the rest, offering more structure, color, and intensity than your typical Old World Barbera, and for just $15 a bottle!
Just when we’d thought that we’d seen it all when it comes to Barbera, along comes Lot 888 to make us reset our expectations of this versatile Piedmontese variety.
Barbera is native to the rolling hills of northwestern Italy, still, its vibrant red berry flavor has proven so immensely popular that plantings can now be found throughout Italy, as well as South America, Australia, Israel, Africa, and California. Despite its ubiquitousness, Barbera rarely sees the kind of treatment that Lot 888 brings to the table.
This 2021 Barbera was grown in an as yet still under-the-radar section of California’s Lake County called High Valley. This aptly named AVA houses Lot 888’s source winery’s well-draining vineyards, which sit over 2,000 feet above sea level. Volcanic deposits force the vines to grow deep roots in search of water, with complex berry flavor being the happy result. The cooler breezes retain Barbera’s already fantastic acidity, and the higher elevations promote thicker skin development to protect the grapes from the intense UV light at those higher altitudes.
All things considered, you’re getting a family-made, everyday sipper, that rises above the rest, offering more structure, color, and intensity than your typical Old World Barbera. Recently Lot 888 scored 98pts at the LA Invitational Wine Competition and earned both ‘Double Gold’ and ‘Best of Class.’ At just $15, this is one you’ll want to grab a few cases of, and quickly.
This Barbera’s high elevation source is abundantly evident in its richer, darker ruby color than would typically be found in Barbera from the Old World. Lively notes of violet petals, vanilla extract, and anise add enticing complexity to an inviting nose dominated by fresh red berries. On the palate, this Barbera is true to form, staying fruit-driven throughout with sour dark cherry flavors. These grapes obviously benefited from that famous Lake County sunshine, imbuing the wine with a full body that’s also buoyant and balanced, with great palate tension. Hearty pasta dishes, gourmet pizza, grilled veggies, and flank steaks can all be on the menu when this red is poured.
Cameron Hughes Lot 888 2021 High Valley Barbera placed very well in the recent 2023 Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge scoring a Double Gold Medal, Best of Class, and a rating of 98 Points!
Watch as Chris Lafleur, Sommeliers Creed for Cameron Hughes walks us through a tasting.