KuninCentralCoastPapeStarRouge

Kunin are one of the defining wineries for Rhône varieties on California’s Central Coast, and this – their irreverent take on Châteauneuf-du-Pape – shows every bit of their expertise. Custom blended each vintage and aged in neutral oak, this crowd-pleasing red strikes a perfect balance between bright red fruit, spice, and earth. Year after year, Pape Star remains a firm fan favourite thanks to its medium weight, elegant texture, and huge versatility when it comes to pairing with food.

93+/100 – The 2020 Pape Star Rouge is a blend of 42% Grenache, 27% Syrah, 21% Mourvèdre, 6% Carignane and 4% Counoise. Grapes come from vineyards across Santa Barbara County, including Larner Vineyard and Stolpman Vineyard in Ballard Canyon. Inspired by Châteauneuf-du-Pape, it offers the wild, savory character of that region at a lighter weight. Its briary fruit is complemented by tones of dried leaves, mossy bark, cured meats and touches of powdered sugar. The medium-bodied palate’s fruit is concentrated yet understated, supported by chalky tannins and fireworks of fresh acidity, and it has a long, spicy finish. It deserves another year or two in bottle to continue to unfold all those wild, autumnal accents. 445 cases were made. – Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate

91/100 – The 2020 Pape Star is a tasty Grenache-based blend. Juicy red cherry, spice, leather, tobacco and dried herbs build nicely in the glass. The 2020 offers good fruit density and plenty of presence, all in the mid-weight style that is such a house signature. The blend is 42% Grenache, 27% Syrah, 21% Mourvèdre, 6% Carignane and 4% Counoise, all from top sites in Santa Barbara. – Antonio Galloni, Vinous