Le P’tit Paysan, Le P’tit Pape, Central Coast, California, USA 2016

This five-grape blend is comprised of 53% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, 3% Counoise and 2% Cinsault and it’s aged almost exclusively in old oak (97%) to let the fruit do the talking. And it does just that: plum, wild strawberry, cranberry and tomato leaf dance around this solid, easy-drinking wine. A sprinkling of Christmas spice and red cherry acidity laces the long finish.