2006 Kunin "Pape Star," Central Coast, Rhone Red Blend

From Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Medium red. Spicy raspberry and cherry on the nose, with a light anise quality adding interest. Smoky red fruit flavors are brightened by zesty acidity and framed by silky tannins, which carry through the sweet finish. An understated, easy-drinking style." (Nov/Dec '07) Pape Star is Seth Kunin's self-proclaimed homage to the wines of Châteauneauf-du-Pape. He says, "I am impressed by the honesty of the wines from that region, which maintain simplicity and rusticity while showing a bit of elegance as well. You can age them or serve them young, with fancy or simple food and they just work. My goal was/is to make a wine like that here in California." The result is Pape Star (get it?), which uses about 50-60% grenache and 20-30% mourvèdre in the final blend, balancing the remainder with syrah for structure. With site selection farming, Kunin aims to pick grapes that are ripe, but not too ripe, to keep the wine from becoming too big and too hot. The 2006 is amazingly fruit-forward and easy-drinking, with bright red fruit flavors from the grenache, tempered by spicy/gamey mourvèdre and syrah notes. A must-try for all CDP lovers, Rhone Rangers and, well, anyone who love great wine!