THE PARING RED 2017

California Meritage built around a Bordeaux-variety blend — Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot — is a familiar format, but The Paring pushes the savory register harder than most. The wine is sourced from California's Central Coast, where the region's marine influence tempers ripeness and keeps structure intact. On the nose it delivers lifted black fruit, green herbs, grilled bread, and anise; the palate runs red fruit and black plum with dusty, gentle tannins, finishing long with mulberry sweetness and bright acidity holding everything in check.