Wine Enthusiast Review Rated 92 EDITORS CHOICE TIt's hard to find a better wine for the price than this blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Petite Verdot. Blistered black-plum, charcoal and fresh boysenberry aromas kick off the nose, while the palate blends black pepper, boysenberry and smoke. It is a versatile table wine, as apt for tacos and barbecue as it is for prime rib and roast lamb.
This vintage of Para Maria sees an increase in freshness and verve from the uptick (40%) in Carbonic Syrah. The traditional Syrah portion wound up opulent and rich to balance the bright energy of the Carbonic portion. An increase to 20% Petite Verdot augmented the deep purple and black fruit flavor and granted enveloping, coating textures on the finish. A pop of bright cherry makes its first impression on the nose while in the mouth an exciting high-toned floating texture accompanies the continued happy-red spray of flavor. The backbone of the wine comes off as succulent grilled Nopales (cactus) as the juiciness finishes with a splash of blueberry.