A new release from this family-owned-and-operated winery, this varietal usually goes into their Rhone blend, according to Jeff and Florence Pipes. But they bottled this 100 percent Grenache so people could taste it alone “in all its glory.” Deeply flavored with ripe plums, black cherry and wild berry aromas and flavors, it’s big and spicy. This is perfect for people who love big, powerful reds. That said, serve it with equally flavorful dishes: leg of lamb, buffalo, game birds, and such cheeses as sharp Cheddar, dry Jack, or Emmentaler. It’s $28 retail at the tasting room in Paso Robles, or visit www.pipestonevineyards.com.
This article appears in Dec 4-11, 2008.