Santa Barbara Winery, Sta. Rita Hills (California) Grenache 2012

I’ve tasted this vintage blind on a few occasions now, and it continues to shine.  Cool-climate Grenache is a delight when it’s handled like this, with lively cherry fruit, white pepper, blueberry and hints of tar, leaf and cinnamon showing vividly in the glass, leading to a zesty finish that keeps the cherry in focus.  This will pair with just about any meat — try it with a surf and turf plate.  A Platinum Award winner at the 2016 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition.