by Anita Skogland

2020 Newsprint Red Blend, Guardian Cellars, Columbia Valley, Washington

Available at: Prime Fish Cellars, Cotswold
Price: $22

On the Nose: A blend of spices, dark fruit jam, vanilla, black cherry
On the Palate: Well-integrated tannin, hint of oak, blackberry, mocha, lively
On the Plate: Burgers, black bean casserole, sausages, pork chops, beet salad

Our Take: Well-balanced, full-bodied, but still food flexible. Made from a Bordeaux blend of grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.

Fun Facts: Winemaker Jerry Riener was a police officer with a degree in chemistry. He loved working on farms and driving heavy equipment. He was a regular volunteer at local wineries. His wife-to-be Jennifer was a reporter in Seattle who was covering a case that was assigned to Jerry. After losing mutual distrust of each other, they married, started a winery. They have two daughters – partners in crime and wine.

Check out our other 20-buck bottle recommendations!