The Paring, Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills

A cool-toned, coastal-leaning Pinot that opens with crushed raspberry, red cherry skin, and a flicker of blood orange, quickly layered with rose petal, damp earth, and a subtle savory note of dried herbs and tea leaf. The palate is supple but not sweet, carried by fresh acidity and fine, chalk-dust tannins that keep the fruit taut and transparent. Superior in quality and value if at $30.

The nose opens with pomegranate reduction, cranberry skin, and wild strawberry, then deepens into hints of hibiscus tea, dried rose petal, sandalwood shaving, and a whisper of crushed sage. Beneath that brightness, a subtle earthy pulse emerges — damp cedar, mushroom duff, a touch of iron — grounding the wine in its Sta. Rita Hills origins. The palate moves with quiet confidence: silky, feather-fine tannins and a line of acidity that feels both coastal and crystalline. Flavors tilt toward tart …

Black cherry fruit with a touch of high toned character to it. Rich on the palate with fruit, but still good structure to it. Outstanding in quality and value if at $25.

Nose of blackberry, blueberry, vanilla and black licorice. Tannins are tight, mild acid. Blackberry jam on palate with notes of black licorice. Short finish. Too sweet for my palate, very hot

Did not like

Easy drinking. Good nose, but no flavor.

A new winery in the Santa Ynez Valley. The Paring wines are made from the younger vines that aren't quite ready for the Jonata label. So in a sense, this is a third label of Screaming Eagle, which is probably as close as any of will come to a SE. Plenty of ripe aromatic fruit on the nose and right up front on the palette. An exciting blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit …

Nice cherry bouquet. Enjoyable bottle for the price. Predominant tastes of dark cherry & strawberry.

Enjoyable medium bodied pinot. Dark cherry fruit dominates. Nothing exciting or memorable about this.

Opened and tasted - tight, tart, acidic and out of balance. Decanted for a few hours helped open it up. Light to medium body. Combination of acidity and tannins makes for a short clean finish on the front half of the tongue. Taste of young red fruits, strawberry or cherry. Overall, enjoyable but at $25 not a knockout QPR.

Soft, easy to drink. Great back end finish. Baking spice mixed with rasberry and cranberry. A bit of heat on finish. Not overly complex.