Cost: Average price $14.99

Where buy now: Costco

Grapes: Barbera

Region: Italy

Vintage: 2012

But of course I kicked off 2016, with an Italian. Pertinace Barbera d’Alba is one of the more expensive wines I’ve bought at Costco ringing in at a *gasp* $14.99!

First whiff and taste = rip red fruit. It smelled almost sweet-like. At first this Barbera was tight on taste, begging to develop. Have patience my friends, let her get comfy and she loosens up a bit, balancing cherries, tobacco and tannins. Pertinace Barbera d’Alba is like a seductive burlesque dancer, subdued at first then exposing its talents, creating a memorable experience.

2016 New Year Resolution: exhibit more patience.

Who are we kidding? It’s to drink less wine in sweatpants.