Sweet raspberry compote, fragrant peonies, cherry pie. Ripe blueberry, black pepper, red gummy candy. A succulent and generous melange of boysenberry, cranberry sauce, and strawberry glaze highlights a sappy and succulent fruit core subtly enhanced by herbal flecks of mint, thyme, paprika, and white sage. Pronounced impressions of hibiscus and hydrangeas emerge within waves of thick floral overtones while hints of candy apple and red licorice further bolster confectionery-like decadence. Soil tones of gravel and parched earth impart just a pinch of terroir while bougainvillea, cured sausage, and red pepper flakes provide underlying wild and rugged flair. Noticeably forward and ripe on the palate with plenty of weight and youthful vigor; displaying crowd-friendly and thoroughly agreeable character presented with a touch of fruity sweetness. Medium plus in body with mellow tannin backed by moderate acidity. This 2018 "M5" by Margerum Wine Company is a rich and fruit-driven Rhone red from Santa Barbara County.

Although it is primarily known as the source of some of California's best cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County has also proven to produce absolutely exceptional Rhone varietal wines in some of its warmer inland reaches. This bottling, crafted by Margerum Wine Company using a blend of 47% Grenache/40% Syrah/9% Mourvèdre/2% Counoise/2% Cinsault sourced from vineyards all around the region, showcases Santa Barbara County's propensity to shape fun and exciting Southern Rhone-style blends. Made in a straightforward, ripe, and somewhat jammy style, this wine oozes plump red and blue fruits enhanced by intense floral notes alongside subtle earth and herbs. It is overall quite primary in character and certainly more simple than serious, but fans of bold California reds will surely enjoy its unbridled fruity succulence.