Barlow Vineyards 2016 Barrouge from the United States grabs a gold medal at the London Wine Competition held on July 7, 2020.

The 2016 Barrouge has a wonderful black sour cherry element with hints of sweet vanilla and cocoa. The palate is loaded with fruit flavors ranging from red cherry to black currants and ending hints of plum. The wine finishes with soft elegant tannins and touches of roasted almonds, espresso and chocolate flavors derived from the French oak.

The Smith family is the reason behind the formation of Barlow Vineyards. They are labeled as farmers at heart. They have farmed their estate since they purchased the land in 1994. Coming together as if following a recipe out of a cookbook, Warren Barlow Smith, a salesman, and Jeanne Smith, an accountant and financial manager, along with their son Barr Smith, a Geology major, and daughter-in-law Ann Smith, a Botany major, formed the family behind the vineyard estate and wines. 
 
The family’s entry into wine production came as a result of making a small amount of 100% estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, originally only meant for family and friends. The winemaker at the time, Art Finklestein, suggested they sell it instead. They quickly sold all 25 cases. Today’s production of their estate grown wine has increased to 1500 cases annually, which includes two 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wines, a Cabernet Sauvignon blend, a 100% Merlot, and a 100% Zinfandel.

2020 London Wine Competition Results are live. Click here to check out