The Paring 2021 Red

The Paring serves as an experimental project for winemaker Matt Dees, who is widely recognized for his work at the highly acclaimed Jonata and The Hilt. Often described as a chip off the old block, this wine is crafted from vineyard blocks that offer exceptional quality but do not fit the specific vintage profile of the producer's more prominent, single-estate labels (meaning leftover blocks and barrels from top vineyard get blended into this amazing value). Sourced primarily from vanguard regions across Santa Barbara County—including Ballard Canyon, the Sta. Rita Hills, and the Santa Maria Valley—the blend benefits from the cool, coastal-influenced climates and sandy soils that define the region. Dees, who holds a degree in soil science, maintains an untethered, vineyard-first philosophy, resulting in a wine that balances structural precision with a sense of place. 

93pts Jeb Dunnuck

The 2021 vintage, composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with equal parts Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, offers an utterly fascinating aromatic profile that mingles lifted black fruit with savory green herbs, espresso, anise, and subtle dark notes of grilled bread. On the palate, the wine reveals a constant play between sweet and savory, led by bright red fruit and black plum. The texture is defined by gentle, dusty tannins that provide a sense of elegance and tension between the wine's structured framework and its vibrant acidity. The finish is remarkably long and precise, with a persistent mulberry sweetness that underscores the wine's balanced and refined character.