Most of you reading this column are a lot like me when it comes to our wines. We are always in search of something new and interesting, something not found everywhere, a wine that that is food friendly yet can be sipped on its own, cool story and cool label. Here are a few notes that fit all the criteria listed above.

The 2016 Casasmith Cervo Barbera is produced using 100 percent Barbera grapes from the Northridge vineyard located on the Wahluke slope of Washington state. This delicious Italian variety wine is 100 percent whole berry fermented using native yeast and allowed to age on its lees for 12 months in oak tanks. Beautiful garnet red in the glass with aromas and flavors of lilac, mint, dark ripe fruit, followed by an earthy, spicy finish that is extremely balanced and lingering.