This remarkable Rhone red is a blend of Mourvedre grown in two vineyards: La Vista in Paso Robles and the Santa Barbara Highlands in eastern Santa Barbara County. Deeply hued and as intense as its color, this delicious red is layered in flavors. Leaning to dark blackberry aromas and flavors, it’s intricately weaved with notes of tangy raspberries and plums, smoke and spice box notes. The finely integrated tannins make it quite drinkable on its own, but you’ll want to savor this delicious wine with something special: roast prime rib, herbed pork tenderloin, quail, or duck. Available at the Hug tasting room on Hwy. 46 East in Paso Robles, it’s a good value at $29 retail.
This article appears in May 17-24, 2012.