def set_axis_label(ncvar):
    """
    Set label plotting axis from name and unit of given variable
    `ncvar`.

    Parameters
    ----------
    ncvar : netCDF4._netCDF4.Variable
        netcdf variables class

    Returns
    -------
    str
        Label string: name (unit)

    Examples
    --------
    >>> ylab = set_axis_label(fi.variables['w_soil'])
    """
    try:
        lab = ncvar.long_name
    except AttributeError:
        try:
            lab = ncvar.standard_name
        except AttributeError:
            lab = ncvar.name
    try:
        lab += ' (' + ncvar.units + ')'
    except AttributeError:
        pass
    return lab