2017 Le P'tit Paysan "Le P'tit Pape" San Benito County Rhône Blend

When this wine was $20 it was one of the best deals in the store. Now that it's under $15 it's just flat-out ridiculous. Le P'tit Pape is Ian Brand's take on a California Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Now, keep in mind that Ian is an ex-Bonny Dooner who once made wines under the tutelage of the original Rhone Ranger, Randall Grahm. His love affair with Rhone grapes is long in the making. After decades of hard work and searching the back roads, Ian has amassed a collection of some of the finest hidden gem vineyards on the Central Coast. His winemaking skills have become well honed, something verified time and time again by copious amounts critical acclaim including being name the SF Chronicle's Winemaker of the Year in 2018. As we're all too aware 2020 presented challenges to everyone, with many restaurants shuttered and tasting rooms closed, wineries have looked to long-time partners to help them move through wines that needed a good home. And so we come to this extra special price on this wine. This bottling, that is dominated by Grenache, leads with sumptuous liquored raspberry, macerated redcurrants and baking spice. Syrah and Mourvèdre add bass notes of smoked meat, cracked black pepper and warm earth. With air some floral tones add lift and freshness. A wine with depth and complexity way beyond even it's original price point. This is basically like getting Châteauneuf-du-Pape at Côtes du Rhône pricing. Don't miss out on this bargain offering, it's likely to go fast.