2021 Pandemonium Red Wine Blend Paso Robles Highlands 750 ml

Talk about bringing coal to Newcastle: Our buddy Sean showed up at a Napa Valley barbecue—as our guest, no less—with a Red Blend from California’s Central Coast. 

But knowing Sean, a born-and-bred Central Coast maven, this was no faux pas. He was a full-on endorser of the region two-plus decades ago, back when it was considered to be a bit of a backwater. Now he looks like a genius, considering the fact that Napa icons like Helen Keplinger, Juan Mercado, and others have stormed Paso Robles and its environs. 

The only thing Sean knows better than wine is winemakers—and above all else, winemakers love to drink good wine. So while he might’ve gotten a sideways glance or two when he popped and poured the 2021 Pandemonium Red Blend that night, that changed when everybody took a sip.

With fleshy fruit, beautiful balance, and a silky finish, it’s the perfect wine to accompany the meats off the grill, and to drink late into the night. Which is what we did. And here’s what the winemakers in our midst were wondering: How do you do this—at this price? That was with Pandemonium’s $40 list price in mind.

Here’s how: Pandemonium comes from the Miller family, who do one thing really, really well: develop and farm vineyards. They’re an iconic grapegrowing clan who own some of the choicest parcels in California—including Bien Nacido, one of the greatest vineyards on the West Coast. Now, after decades supplying some of the finest wineries in California, they’re making their own wines, and tapping some of the best sites to do it. 

The French Camp Vineyard, established by the family in 1973, is a cornerstone of the Paso Robles Highlands AVA—and the backbone for this bottling. Spanning over 1,200 acres in the southeastern corner of the region, resting in the rain shadow of Black Mountain, it enjoys a diurnal swing of nearly 50 degrees—a perfect environment to produce ripe Zinfandel with a healthy dose of vivifying acid.

To 45% Zinfandel, they add 35% Lagrein (a keystone variety of Northern Italy), plus Merlot and Mourvèdre for plushness and dark-fruited oomph. Aged a full year in French oak barrels, it’s rich and silky, lush yet lively, with the balance you want in a do-it-all California red.