Saldo, California Red Blend 2021 ($30)

In blind judgings it is paramount to give as little information as possible about the wine being tasted, particularly with red blends that don’t fall into a regional style category. This wine is a great example of why that’s the case. A blend of Petite Sirah, Grenache, Syrah, Mataro, Cabernet Sauvignon and a white grape – Verdelho – accomplishes the one job of such a blend, which is to be delicious, and it goes a few steps beyond that with juicy fruit, a supple structure and a long finish that invites you back. Nicely realized wine from a great California vintage.
95 Rich Cook