Although this red blend is quite unusual with 44 percent Tempranillo, 33 percent Petite Verdot and 23 percent Malbec, the name is totally appropriate. A new brand by Josh and Jake Beckett of Peachy Canyon, the Beckett brothers took a totally modern approach with the Los Muertos labels that are as much a hit as is the wine. I was quite impressed by this beautifully balanced red you can enjoy alone or with dinner. It was outstanding paired with grilled lamb chops with a barbecue glaze and with flat iron steak in a bourbon mushroom sauce. Available online or at the Paso Robles tasting room on Nacimiento Lake Rd, it’s $26 retail at chroniccellars.com.
This article appears in Dec 24-31, 2009.