Matt Dees, the dirt-whispering prodigy with a soil science degree who crafts legends at Jonata and The Hilt for ("Super Secret -click here" visionary owner Stan Kroenke), turns his alchemy to The Paring's unpretentious reds.

This 2020 Red single-handedly proves that Santa Barbara's cool coasts can birth Bordeaux rivals without the hype or the hefty tag.

Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) laced with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, hand-harvested from sandy vineyard gems and mellowed 22 months in French oak (55% new) for taut precision.

Utterly fascinating nose mixing lifted black fruit, savory green herbs and dark notes of grilled bread, espresso and anise. Fills the palate with bright red fruit and black plum. A constant play between sweet and savory.

Devoured by California cognoscenti who stash it alongside their high-altitude hauls, this blend slips into sommelier lists where pedigree meets pocketbook. It carries the quiet authority of a backstage pass to elite enology.

Fire up the grill for a ribeye reunion, this blend's savory edge was forged for such fiery encounters.