Deaver Vineyards Barby Port NV (California)

After an odd but productive weekend, I decided to treat myself. Even though it’s 70 degrees and sunny right now, this sweet, heady California Port was calling out to me as I vacuumed the cellar. Deaver Vineyards is an uber-friendly winery in Amador County on the Steiner Rd. trail. This 100 percent Barbera Port-style wine was on the tasting list the day I visited.

Raisins everywhere, sweet and warm. With some alcohol in the nose and mouth, its legs saunter down the glass. It’s warm in the throat with the faintest spice.

I decided to have a taste with triple cream brie, and it neutralized the alcohol and kept the raisin flavors. With some top round beef pastrami, it neutralized the alcohol and brought out a little black pepper with the raisins. I also tried the Barby with Milano hard salami. This was good, too, but kept a little of the alcohol with the raisins, then finished with caramel. Overall, my preference would be the pastrami pairing.

Other food matches might include a stronger cheese like Pecorino Romano, other Italian sausages, grilled pork and a caramel dessert or crème brulee.