This deeply hued red offers equally deep ripe black fruit aromas and flavors. It’s nicely balanced and as drinkable on its own as it is with food. I liked its wild, juicy blackberry flavors that are so nicely enhanced by bright notes of blueberries and an herbal thread. Pair it with grilled sirloin steak, leg of lamb, or a meaty pizza. Made by Talley Vineyards, it’s grown in their Paso Robles vineyard. This variety is only available at Talley’s Arroyo Grande Valley tasting room for $24/750ml bottle, or buy it by the growler that you can take back for refills at lower prices.
This article appears in Apr 4-11, 2013.