This is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Syrah and 20% complementary indigenous grapes from Sardinia. The 2015 Barriu is a more international or contemporary wine from the island that shows the lasting softness and succulence that you get thanks to 12 months of aging in medium-toast French oak. However, given the ripeness and generosity of the 2015 vintage, I would recommend a short- to medium-term drinking window, with a preference for a short one. Some 25,000 bottles were made.

From the IGT Isola dei Nuraghi appellation, the 2011 Barriu is a blend of 30% Cannonau, 30% Carignano, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% other grapes aged up to 12 months in neutral oak. This "super Sardinian" red blend opens to bright intensity and pretty layers of cherry fruit, spice and powdered chocolate. The tannic heft is noticeable and the wine has solid aging legs to stand on for the next five years or more.