Barra of Mendocino "Pioneer" Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Vin Chicago: 90 Points

(5/2021) A wine named in homage to their family patriarch — the late Charlie Barra, a first generation Piemontese immigrant who consistently worked his vineyards via organic methods since 1955 — the Pioneer Cab is a wonderful anytime Cali Cab at a yesteryear price. This has a friendly frame full of black cherry, eucalyptus, leather, espresso, and molasses with a lively freshness. The body is plumper in this 2018 bottling than previous vintages, and while more balanced for the dining table than many in its category — there are no hard edges to be found. This delivers plenty of pleasure.