If you love old world wines, and new world fruit, this wine is certain to be a hit at your next dinner party. Show up with something a little different - and a whole lot superb!

Wow, did we score today!

We’re so very pleased to bring you the layered, delicious, balanced Charles Smith Wines 2014 “Casa Smith” Northridge Vineyard Wahluke Slope Barbera. This Barbera received the highest-ever rating from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, who calls the wine “…finest example of this variety…” - and we have it.

This wine is rich and lovely on the nose, with layer upon layer of aromas. Blackberry preserve, grilled plum, dried mushroom, plum, dark chocolate covered cherry, summer forest, soft spice and a hint of savory tar.

Old world meets new on the palate, with balanced flavors of black cherry preserve, bramble, black licorice, grilled plum, mission fig, dark chocolate, subtle savory herbs and subtle brown spice.

Barbera is one of the most prolific grapes of Italy’s Piedmont. Generally light, fresh and fruity in character, Barbera is fast becoming a favorite of many import wine-drinkers. It is ruby-red in color and darkens as it ages. Furthermore, as it ages Barbera typically loses some of its acidity and grows in terms of aroma and taste components. The varietal was first brought to the United States and planted in Napa Valley by Italian immigrants.

If you can ever stop sniffing and sipping the wine all on its own, we also suggest that you enjoy it with your favorite Italian fare. Or just about any grilled meats.

Cheers!

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Here’s what the wine press has to say:

93 points - Jeb Dunnuck, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate - “On another level, and worth the uptick in price, the 250-case 2014 Barbera Cervo (from vines planted in 1997 and tiny, tiny yields) was brought up all in barrique and is easily the finest example of this variety I’ve tasted from Washington. Elegant, layered and concentrated, with a serious feel in its black cherry, lavender, underbrush and peppery herbs bouquet, this terrific effort is a real head-turner that readers should seek out! The Casa Smith brand is reserved for the Italian themed wines from Charles Smith.”

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91 Points, Sean Sullivan, Wine Enthusiast - “This is the inaugural release of this wine. It shows aromas of dried herbs, plums and currants that lead to a full-bodied and full-flavored palate. It’s a mouthful of juicy fruit flavors that delights the senses, with the feel simply dazzling.”

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Stephen Tanzer - Vinous - “Bright, dark red. Subtle aromas and flavors of medicinal cherry, flowers and herbs. At once sappy and creamy, with bracing but harmonious acidity giving lift and grip to the middle palate. Essentially easygoing but with a satisfying firm edge. CasaSmith is Charles Smith’s label for Italian varietals produced from single sites.”