In 2008 Eden Road produced a Barbera Nebbiolo and have followed up in 2009 with a cracking wine sourced from Canberra and Hilltops. Nick Spencer says his idea is to produce "an Italian-inspired wine with opulent, perfumed red fruit, and some rustic charm." Thus style, rather than varietal composition is what counts and the exact makeup of the wine may vary from year-to-year depending on the vagaries of each vintage. The 2009 release hits a real sweet spot with its combination of bright crushed cherries, darker fruits and structured tannins. There is cola, musk and a touch of dust. All up, a fresh, intriguing and very morish wine.
"A blend of 70% Barbera and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2009 The Long Road Barbera / Cabernet casts a deep garnet-purple color and presents an earthy style with notes of forest floor and moss over black raspberries and red cherries plus touches of dark chocolate and black truffles. Medium-bodied with a medium level of chewy tannins, it gives a long savory finish. Drink it now through 2014." 88 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate