Clayhouse 2012 Adobe Pink Paso Robles and Rangeland 2011 Cabernet Blend Watershed 

Clayhouse 2012 Adobe Pink Paso Robles

• CLAYHOUSE 2012 ADOBE PINK PASO ROBLES:

I thoroughly enjoyed this well-made pink, a blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvedre. It’s as tasty on its own as it is with food. Pretty notes of strawberries and raspberries meld with light, zingy notes of lime and spice. It tastes dry but has a hint of residual sugar, and barely discernable spice notes from aging in neutral French oak barrels. I’d pair with a good pizza, fish tacos, or shrimp quesadillas. A good value at $15, it’s available at the Paso Robles tasting room or online at clayhousewines.com.

Rangeland 2011 Cabernet Blend Watershed

• RANGELAND 2011 CABERNET BLEND WATERSHED:

A pretty blend of Bordeaux varieties, this well balanced wine is quite easy drinking in its youth but a few years in the cellar will yield a richer wine if you can stand to wait. It opens with pretty aromas and flavors of red and black cherries, zingy boysenberries, minerals, and earthy notes. The watershed designation refers to Adelaida Springs Ranch vineyard where the grapes were grown. Pair this tasty red with a New York steak topped with gorgonzola cheese or with sautéed mushrooms, rack of lamb, or wine braised short ribs. This is too good to cook with so save it for your glass. Available at Tastes of the Valleys Pismo Beach, it’s a very good value at only $28 retail.