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The summer cookout is a staple of the season, and lamb is a classic, but perhaps often overlooked, choice. Now, because nothing elevates a hearty meal like the right bottle of wine, and there are a lot of great small-production wineries making top-notch stuff, we figure, why not enhance the tradition of the American cookout with some boutique, uniquely American wines? So change it up from steaks and burgers while enjoying these great wines when you’re grilling lamb:

ZenaidaCellars_2012MO

Zenaida Cellars 2012 Mourvedre

Grape(s): 100% Mourvedre

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 30-35

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of red berries and pomegranates mingle with notes of floral earth and white pepper on the nose. Flavors of raspberry, pomegranate, and red plum combine with hints of spice and minerals on the palate. Inviting fruit and plush tannins, make it a ideal wine to enjoy with lamb chops from the grill. 108 cases were made.

Rating: 91

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Winery SF 2011 Merlot

Grape(s): 100% Merlot

Region: North Coast, Ca

Price: 20-25

Tasting Notes:

Fragrances of plums, boysenberries, cherries, and toasty vanilla rise up from a glass. The palate reveals flavors of plum, bramble fruit, and dark cherry that unfold into suggestions of cedar, vanilla, and mocha. Jammy fruit and chalky tannins, mean lamb kabobs would be a fine paring. 250 cases produced.

Rating: 88

cambiata

Cambiata 2013 Dornfelder

Grape(s): 100% Dornfelder

Region: Monterey County, Ca

Price: 30-35

Tasting Notes:

A bouquet of blackberries, red currants, plums, and earth greets the senses. Bramble fruit, plums, and blueberry flavors interweave with traces of minerals and violets on the palate. Dark and perfumed with rich tannins, pair it with grilled lamb shanks. Only 99 cases were made.

Rating: 89

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Comanche Cellars 2013 Mesa Del Sol Syrah

Grape(s): 100% Syrah

Region: Monterey County, Ca

Price: 25-30

Tasting Notes:

Blueberry and blackberry aromas combine with notes of game, spice, and earth on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of blueberries, figs, and boysenberries accented by highlights of white pepper, smoked meat, and minerals. A Syrah with supple tannins and hearty flavors, fans of vibrant reds will enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 90

Eb-Sy

Eberle 2013 Steinback Vineyard Syrah

Grape(s): 100% Syrah

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 25-30

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of boysenberries, raspberries, and strawberries meld with suggestions of dark chocolate, coffee, and smoky spice on the nose. With a sip, flavors of dark bramble fruit and strawberry open up into nuances of baking spice, coffee, and pepper. Rich tannins and robust flavors make this wine a fine partner for a leg of lamb cooked over an open fire. 2,063 cases were made.

Rating: 90

Lula 2012 Costa Pinot Noir (front)

Lula Cellars 2012 Costa Vineyard Pinot Noir

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Mendocino, Ca

Price: 40-45

Tasting Notes:

Notes of raspberries, cherries, and strawberries combine with hints of spice and violets on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of raspberry, plum, and strawberry that are accented by floral and spicy notes on the palate. A Pinot with lively flavors and acidity, open a bottle with grilled lamb chops. 600 cases produced.

Rating: 89

SRNapaCab

Sol Rouge 2011 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Napa Valley, Ca

Price: 70-75

Tasting Notes:

The nose offers aromas of blackberries, cassis, and black cherries along with traces of cedar and sweet spice. The palate delivers flavors of black currant, plum and blackberry that move into allusions of all-spice, pepper, and smoky oak. Balanced tannins and smooth fruit incline this wine towards grilled lamb loin. 100 cases were made.

Rating: 89

00414.pdf

Midnight Cellars 2012 “Nocturne” Syrah

Grape(s): 90% Syrah 5% Malbec, & 5% Merlot

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 30-35

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of blueberries, cherries, and plums blend with accents of vanilla and earth on the nose. Flavors of black cherry, plum, and cassis emerge on the palate alongside whispers of minerals and creamy oak. A rich mouth-feel and ample dark fruit mean this wine and grilled lamb will get along very well.

Rating: 89

 

Check out our other segments of Great Wines When You’re Grilling