The Paring: A Quality Wine for $25 per Bottle

Many people equate quality with price.  While it may be a fair assumption sometimes, it does not hold up under all circumstances.  In fact, one quest for wine enjoyers could be to find the best wine for the best price.  Price, for many, is a hurdle that gets in the way of enjoying many different wines.

Herein lies the opportunity: The Paring is a well-crafted, modestly priced wine to enjoy anytime.  The vineyards are located in Santa Ynez in Santa Barbara County. The winemaker is Matt Dees who skillfully makes JONATA, The Hilt, and The Paring.  (For my Midwest friends, he is from MO.) This property is a “sister” to Screaming Eagle as both wineries are owned by the same individual.  Matt brings great skill to his craft and delivers on quality.  I have enjoyed wines from all three labels for which he is the winemaker and have written about all three labels on the blog before (here, here, and here).  The price and quality of The Paring bear repeating.

The Paring began as a way to explore different expressions of the vines.  As stated on their website:

“Made from the vineyard blocks that are either too young or don’t fit into the vintage style of the highly acclaimed JONATA and The Hilt wines—The Paring is a cut of each estate.  The Paring puts pedigree first, and then lets imagination take over.”

So what does this mean for you?  Truly, it means you can explore different varietals or stock up for any reason.  At $25 a bottle, it is an opportunity to enjoy well-crafted wine and explore.  The lineup includes Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.  Summer sippers that will complement your outdoor sunning.  There is Pinot Noir, Syrah, and a Red Blend, all worthy of your time and attention that will complement your summer fare.  

Here is what wine critic Jeb Dunnick has to say about the Chardonnay, the Pinot Noir, and the Red Blend: 

“Lots of sliced apple, spice, and subtle pineapple notes emerge from the 2018 Chardonnay. This beauty is nicely textured and medium-bodied, has a core of sweet fruit, and is just a joy to drink.”

“The 2018 Pinot Noir sports a medium ruby/purple color as well as earthy cherry and raspberry fruits, violets, and peppery herb-like aromas and flavors. It’s nicely textured, with terrific balance as well as outstanding purity of fruit, all making for a smoking value in Pinot Noir. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years or so.”

“The Bordeaux blend, the 2017 Red Wine is based on 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot. Deeply colored, with notes of blackcurrants, tobacco, leafy herbs, and earth, it has medium-bodied depth and richness on the palate, ripe tannins, and a character-filled, balanced style that’s ideal for drinking over the coming 5-7 years or so.“

Yes, I am a fan and I wanted to share what is available to purchase.  The sooner you act, the sooner you can enjoy them in your glass.

Enjoy!