This cuvée has eight varieties, mostly Zinfandel with Syrah, Petite Sirah, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo, and Merlot. It’s the winery’s biggest seller, and you’ll see why at first sip. Its rich and flavorful with blackberries, plums, black cherries, black pepper, and spices, with enough acidity to keep it all in balance. You can enjoy this on its own, and it will pair quite nicely with many meals, whether you’re grilling a steak or hamburger, a pepperoni pizza, or a hearty bowl of pasta with a meaty ragu. For a red blend, you won’t find one as tasty at this value price very often; it’s only $15 retail, available at Albertsons and Spencer’s markets. You can also buy it sold fresh out of kegs, by the half liter, $12, while dining, or take your own bottle in to fill up at Meze Market in SLO.
This article appears in Jun 16-23, 2011.
