Starfield Vineyards, El Dorado (Sierra Foothills, California) Cinsaut 2019

 Seldom bottled as a varietal wine, Cinsaut (also spelled Cinsault), is more often found in a Rosé.  It is used as a blender for red wines in the Rhône and elsewhere.  But Starfield and several neighbors in El Dorado are giving it a fresh look on its own.  From its 31 acre vineyard, Starfield produces several Rhône-style wines as well as others in its “Mountain Mediterraneans” program.  Freshly picked strawberry and cranberry juice dominate the expansive aromas in this medium light-bodied red.  Without any noticeable tannin, it really turns on the charm as its lively flavors expand across the midpalate with fresh berry and spice and red fruit that all persist well into the aftertaste.  More than a summer sipper, this is a versatile food companion.  And delicious.