Vignerons Schmölzer & Brown Barbera 2024

From the Corsini family’s La Cantina vineyard in the King Valley. This is VS&B’s self-proclaimed chilled red. A little rubbery reduction on opening before this wine’s trademark aromas of cherry ripe and cherry pip followed by red florals, rhubarb and baking spices. Some air unveils subtle boysenberry and earthen notes, too. The palate is equally bright and playful, with bursts of red cherry, red apple, boysenberry, and blueberry framed by fine pithy tannins and juicy acidity. Chillable, yes, but delicious at room temperature. This has all the pop and crunch you need, with lovely bright fruit and ample spice complexity adding interest.