Lang Wines, Amador County (California) Barbera 2012

 In light of the fact that the Barbera grape variety is inherently low in tannin but high in acidity, planting it in the warm, sunny environs of Amador County makes good sense.  In light of this wine’s actual from-the-glass performance, the idea seems downright obvious in its wisdom.  Fully ripe (of course), it shows lots of generous, juicy fruit, with black raspberries being the first analogy coming to mind.  Yet the wine’s juicy sweetness is very nicely counterbalanced by fresh acidity that keep the fruit seeming nicely taut, and that also works effectively as a foil for its textural softness.  An excellent value.  Platinum Award winner at the 2015 San Diego International Wine Competition.