Juicy black plum, dried cranberry, potpourri. Black licorice liqueur, mulberry, zingy limestone. Deep black and red fruit intersect with dried spice and flower petals. Thyme, basil, and anise sprinkled over a freshly picked brambly berries. This 2016 Estate CDP by Halter Ranch is fruit meets spice with a touch of funky earth.

GSM style blends seem to be dime-a-dozen these days. Most new world attempts are flabby and boring with weak acidity, one dimensional fruit, and not much else going on. This CDP by Halter Ranch, composed of primarily Grenache with Syrah, Mourvedre, and some Tannat, is absolutely NOT those things. An ode to the appelation of Chateauneuf-du-Pape in the Southern Rhone, this wine brings together ripe California fruit with provencal herbaceousness and Paso Robles terroir. It is composed, balanced, food-friendly, and straight up tasty. And at 14 something alcohol (quite modest for Paso) it is neither heavy nor taxing to sip and enjoy. Next time you're in Paso Robles make sure to pay a visit to Halter Ranch's beautiful tasting room to try their delicious and surprisingly affordable wines.