Qupé Syrah

Qupé Santa Barbara County Syrah 2012: Anyone who doesn’t know Bob Lindquist makes killer syrah simply hasn’t been paying attention for the last 30 years. This release is no exception.

Organic, biodynamic, dark fruit balanced with lots of pepper and accented by lavender, this is delicious from start to finish. With three quarters of the blend (98 percent syrah and 2 percent grenache) coming from Bien Nacido Vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley and the last quarter coming from the family’s Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard in the Edna Valley, this bottle makes a strong argument for cool-climate syrah.

For all its depth (pair it with pot roast, say), it’s only 13.5 percent alcohol, and while its suggested retail price is $30, you can often find it at a steal under $25.

See qupe.com.