I really enjoy the Preston take on Barbera. Powerful black cherry fruit, but the acidity makes this a very fresh wine. It is in no way "sweet" or "fruit bomby" but the delicious fruit and acid really complemented the eggplant parmigiana prepared by my friends last night. Fantastic "food wine". There is an interesting touch of funk on the wine that adds further interest.
Other weekend highlights (quick notes):
Sequoia Grove. My friends are club members here, and the staff is always friendly and professional. Highlights were a delicious Cabernet Franc-no bell pepper, but definitely violets and cassis fruit. Killer take on the varietal. The 2011 Tonnesen Cabernet Sauivgnon, on the other hand, definitely had the cold year bell pepper. Fresh and very nice mouth feel.
Girard. recommended by Eric at SG.. Very fresh take on Viognier. Fantastic balance on the Petit Sirah! One of the better versions I have had!
Red Car Rose of Pinot Noir. Salmon skin color. A very nice discovery-the SF Chronicle had an article on Sonoma Coast wineries that mentioned Red Car. Very saline in character-almost feral. Not sweet at all. Went very well with both the salad course and the salmon. (We enjoyed our lunch at Brix very much. Sit at the bar-the bartender is a hoot!)
2013 Clarksburg Wine Company Petit Sirah. Definitely big and fruity, but there is a core of herbal freshness running through the wine that makes it quite nice. CWC wines often seem to have that savory core, that balance, and I am always impressed!