Villa Creek, Paso Robles (Central California, California) “Cherry House” Red Wine 2021 ($28)

GSM – Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre – is the quintessential Rhône-style blend and my go-to crowd pleaser. Villa Creek’s Cherry House has a twist: there is no Syrah and, instead, they use Carignan, a typical blending grape also used in GSMs. Cherry House has a jammy, fruit-driven profile, classic to Paso Robles, while also presenting a touch of minerality and a leathery undertone and plenty of tannin. Villa Creek has created an instant crowd pleaser – easy to drink and approachable to both experienced wine drinkers and newbies alike.
89 Vince Simmon