This tasty Rhone variety offers aromas and flavors of black cherry, plum, and blackberry, nicely balanced with nuances of earth, dark chocolate, leather, and spice. It drinks well on its own, and is a good choice for grilled steaks, braised short ribs, or a hoagie with sausage, onions, and bell peppers. It’s value-priced at $16 retail in the Santa Margarita tasting room.
This article appears in Aug 5-12, 2010.