INSIDER'S PICK: 2023 BARGETTO WINERY 'TUXEDO RED' RED BLEND CALIFORNIA $26.99

While we generally avoid the 'critter labels' that so often look better on the outside than they taste on the inside, we had to admit this one is the total package. Great juice, and an adorable label especially if you're a cat person. Bargetto is a long standing family winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains, best known for their outstanding estate grown Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs established mostly by vineyard cuttings off of Mount Eden Winery (the legendary property originally established by Martin Ray). For their 'fun wine' they source some Zinfandel and Petit Sirah from nearby older vineyards, along with some bits and bobs from their home vineyards. The wine itself is dedicated to their adopted black and white winery cat, Tux, and does not require a formal occasion to be enjoyed to its fullest. Warm, deep black fruit and dried black spices jump from the glass pretty quickly, getting some sweeter raspberry into the mix as it opens up. The Petit Sirak is on full display on the palate showing a lot of initial grip, getting lusher as it opens up and showing more dark berries over time. The mixed bag of varieties that are added in small amount give the blend a bit of tartness to the finish, so it isn't quite that classic Californian field blend through and through. Great grilling wine for both Zin fans and more Cab-centric palates. 

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