R A B B I T     R I D G E     W I N E R Y     A N D     V I N E Y A R D S

1996
California
NEBBIOLO

BARRIQUE  RISERVA
Nebbiolo Label

This grand grape of Italy's Piedmont region is well-suited to California's coastal climate, producing a rich, full-bodied wine with tremendous structure and a lengthy flavorful finish.   The grape "Nebbiolo," which translates into an Italian derivative of "fog," flourishes in a foggy climate such as we posses in the many regions of California.   Made in the classic style of a Barbaresco, the wine is barrel-aged for months in French and American oak.   This intriguing grape is known for its temperamental qualities - it is difficult to grow, it is difficult to extract color, and it is difficult to make into a great wine.   In addition, it can take many years to soften due to its rich, pronounced tannins.   However, at its best, Nebbiolo is a luscious, wonderfully exciting "food" wine that should be part of every connoisseurs collection.

Separator
87
Rabbit Ridge Nebbiolo California Barrique Riserva 1996 $20
A spicy, cherrylike wine that sports a somewhat herbal edge, this wine nonetheless shows fullness on the palate and finishes fairly long, with hints of black cherry, blackberry and licorice. 1,740 cases produced.

Wine Spectator 2/28/1999
83
Rabbit Ridge Nebbiolo California Barrique Riserva 1994 $18
Smooth and supple, with flavors of tar, plum and wild berry. Finishes with a smoky aftertaste, a slight burnt quality. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 475 cases produced.

Wine Spectator 12/31/1997

Bottles
 

Rabbit Ridge bottles wine in three colorized categories.   The first, and most affordable, are the Blue Denim -Barrel Cuvees. The second are the Gold and White label wines, and the third are the Platinum- Winemaker's Grand Reserve wines.   These are the finest wines made from the best grapes.

 

www.rabbitridgewinery.com