The Paring 2016 Red Blend, California

Yes, it's from the Central Coast where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay rule the day but this is a wine with a unique pedigree. The Paring is a Cabernet blend made from the vineyard blocks that are either too young or don't fit into the vintage style of the highly acclaimed Jonata.

Of course that winery is part of the portfolio of the owners of famed Screaming Eagle, so they know very well how to produce superb wine from Bordeaux varietals. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20%, Merlot, 20%, Cabernet Franc and 10%, Petit Verdot, the grapes are sourced primarily from three Santa Barbara regions; Santa Ynez Valley, Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley.

Jeb Dunnuck scored this 93 points saying "The 2016 Red Wine checks in as a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot. Brilliant notes of cassis, tobacco leaf, damp earth, cedary herbs, and graphite all emerge from this concentrated, remarkably pure, elegant Bordeaux blend that has building tannins and a great, great finish. It tastes like it costs three times the price."