Deep ruby/purple-colored, the 2016 Barbera Cervo Northridge Vineyard is another knockout value. Blackberry, smoked meat, herbs, and earth nuances all give way to a full-bodied, concentrated, beautifully textured, silky effort that's already hard to resist.

(made from the same vineyard as Charles Smith's K Vintners The Hidden Syrah; this wine was stored in oak uprights for ten months prior to bottling): Healthy dark red. Aromas of musky raspberry, cherry, red licorice and spices, accented by minerals and rose petal. Lovely energy and rose petal lift to the juicy, medium- bodied, fully ripe flavors of red and black cherry and spices. The firm Barbera acidity gives this fine-grained wine noteworthy finesse. Finishes with excellent verve and sneaky tangy length, showing more acidity than tannins. "We had to raise the price from $20 to $25 because last year's wine disappeared," noted winemaker Brennon Leighton. (15% alcohol)

The smoke, tire rubber and raspberry aromas seem unusual. The candied cranberry and cherry flavors are lighter styled. It's a unique, not entirely successful offering of the variety.