It feels like it was ages ago, but really it was just a few short months - when all French wines were subject to a 25% tariff, and every wine professional in the country was scrambling to figure things out. For us, it was especially stressful, as we sell more red wines from France than we do any other country! And Rhone reds, in particular, represent a huge number.

My first stop on my search was California. And why not? Certainly California has a myriad of climates and soils... somewhere there were surely great wines being made that could compete with those of the Rhone? Well, there sure were! A staggering number of incredible wines were tasted, and a handful were selected... for you! Here is one of my favs... No lie... when I was on vacation with my family two weeks ago, I ordered a bottle of this very same wine and vintage for our final dinner of the trip! I wanted a home run and knew this was it!

Margerum M5 Red 2019

Sale $26.99

Buy 3 or more ay $24.99

94 pts Vinous / 92 pts Wine Spectator

Previous vintage was 91-93 pts Vinous, and Jeb Dunnuck

"It would do just fine in a blind lineup of Châteauneuf du Pape." Jeb Dunnuck

Where this differs from Chateauneuf is the blend. While most CdP's are 75% or more Grenache, this gem is just 42% Grenache.  A whopping 34% is Syrah, rounded out by 13% Mourvedre, 6% Counoise, and 5% Cinsault. And the wine is brought in at 14.3% alcohol, as opposed to the more normale 15.5-16% from Chateauneuf. The result is a wine that sings in a different register, with brighter red fruit notes shining through from the Grenache, complimented by a rich, baritone undercurrent of black raspberry from the Syrah and Mourvedre. And the price? Expect to pay $40 and up for the French equivalent - even without the tariffs!

No, I'm not ready to tell you to forget about the Rhone... California isn't there yet. But this wine is a game changer and proof positive that there are wines being made that can more than hold their own versus the Originals!

The Southern Rhône-like blend from this estate, the 2018 M5 Santa Barbara County checks in as 47% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 9% Mourvèdre, and the rest equal parts Counoise and Cinsault. Deep purple-colored, with notes of mulled black cherries, black raspberries, ground pepper, licorice, and underbrush, it's medium to full-bodied, has beautiful fruit, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It would do just fine in a blind lineup of Châteauneuf du Pape. – 91 pts Jeb Dunnuck for 2018

The 2018, Doug Margerum's Grenache-based blend, is fabulous. A burst of sweet berry fruit and floral notes give this racy red so much immediacy, not to mention incredible appeal. Medium in body, with no hard edges and terrific purity of expression, M5 is a winner. – 93 pts Vinous for 2018

“Doug Margerum's flagship blend of 47% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 9% Mourvèdre, 2% Counoise and 2% Cinsaut is bright, delicious and easy to guzzle. Fresh lively aromas of wild strawberry, simmering pomegranate sauce, mint and peppercorns lead into a palate of berries, plum, thyme and marjoram.” 92 pts Wine Enthusiast for 2018


Or reply. The wine is available now in both stores.