2003 Barbera
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Grape Variety: 86% Barbera 14% Cabernet Sauvignon

Appellation: Paso Robles

Analysis: Alcohol: 14.3% pH: 3.61 TA: .75g/100ml RS: .25%

Harvest Dates: 9/24/03 Estate vineyard

Barrel Ageing: 20 months in 2-year-old French oak barrels

Tasting Notes
Floral aromas of violet, ripe notes of cherry, sloe and deep plum, and spicy hints of nutmeg and white pepper combine for a seductive and complex nose. Medium-bodied, the berry and malt flavors are lifted by firm acidity and well-structured tannins. Finishing with a nutty texture, this lovely wine is ideal for lighter red meat entrees or spicy game fowl. Vintage 2003 2003 gave us a difficult growing season, but quality seems to be quite good as a result of judicious vineyard practices throughout the year. A late start in the vineyard because of cool spring temperatures gave way to a warm summer that was marked by several small rain events and a number of heat spikes. The fall weather was very nice, maintaining warm weather that fully ripened everything by the end of October, before the first rains. Overall, the vintage produced wines with loads of fruit and above average ripeness and alcohol levels. Winemaking The single acre of thirty-year-old Barbera vines surrounding the Norman’s estate home yields less than two tons of tiny, intensely-flavored clusters, which are fermented in open-top vats and punched down by hand. Aged in older French oak barrels to enhance structure and bouquet development, we blended in a small amount of estate Cabernet Sauvignon in order to round out the finish without overwhelming the delicate varietal aromas.