We’re officially heading into BBQ season.  So fired up your grills and find that secret (or not so secret) BBQ sauce recipe. Then pick up one (or several, we’d suggest) of these wines to complete your heavenly meal.  They’re all available for $20 but they’ll still make you smile. Cheers!    

Ancient Peaks 2015 Renegade Blend

Grape(s): 55% Syrah, 27% Zinfandel, 13% Petite Sirah, & 5% Petit Verdot

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

A bouquet of blackberries, cherries, bacon, and cocoa rises up from a glass. Blackberry, cherry, and plum flavors weave together with highlights of bacon, spice, and mocha on the palate. Polished tannins and rich, hearty flavors make this a wine to enjoy when serving BBQ brisket.

Rating: 92

Markham 2014 “1879 Cellar Blend

Grape(s): 49% Merlot, 20% Syrah, 12% Petite Sirah, 9% Zinfandel, 8% Cabernet, & 2% Charbono

Region: Napa Valley, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of plums, cherries, dark chocolate, and spice greet the senses. Blackberry, plum, and blueberry flavors take shape on the palate, moving into elements of chocolate, pepper, and smoky oak. Smooth, yet rather complex for it’s price, open a bottle with BBQ pulled pork.

Rating: 90

Locations “E” 5 Red Blend

Grape(s): Grenache, Tempranillo, Monastrell, & Carignan

Region: Spain

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

A combination of cherry, plum, and boysenberry aromas meld among hints of clove and vanilla on the nose. Lush fruit comes forth on that palate as cherries, bramble berries, and red plums are accented by whispers of brown spice and vanilla. Opulent fruit and plush tannins make this a red wine one could sip on its own or enjoy with BBQ ribs .

Rating: 90

Tenshen 2016 Red Blend

Grape(s): Syrah, Grenache, Mourvédre, Petite Sirah & Merlot

Region: Santa Barbara, California

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

An abundance of dark berries, herbs, and vanilla rise up from a glass. Jammy cherry, boysenberry, and plum meld with hints of spice, sage, and vanilla on the palate. Lush, layered and quite jammy, BBQ chicken will pair nicely.

Rating: 89