In August 2020, a devastating forest fire swept through inland Mendocino County, and it was heartbreaking to assume that all our Mendocino red-skinned grapes were lost to the smoke. However, in early October, we received a call from Al Tollini, who claimed that his Barbera grapes were smoke-free due to their unique location. Although we were initially hesitant, Al's expertise and friendship gave us the confidence to purchase his grapes. After destemming, we punched down in open-top fermenters, then aged the wine for 11 months in seasoned French oak barrels. This is our eighth Barbera from Al Tollini's vineyard, and Al's 2020 grapes were indeed smoke-free. The resulting wine is full-bodied with juicy flavors of blackberry, blueberry and clove. It has a bolder mouthfeel, thanks to its higher tannins, making it the perfect accompaniment for rich, savory dishes. We are so thankful for the big, chewy reds that early Italian grape growers planted in Mendocino County. Gold Medal winner. 93 points.