Wine

I have a new favorite $12 wine, and it's the 2012 Niel Santofimia Almansa. A grenache-merlot blend with big (but not too) red-fruit flavors and tannins, it has perfect ripeness and dances the dry/juicy yin-yang with perfection. There's a bit of coffee on the midpalate and utter harmony on the near-endless finish. Yum. Break out the grill and throw some burgers or brats or steaks or lamb chops or … you get the idea. It's also suited for a fireplace, indoors or out.

Available at Cheers, the Vintage, Stinson, Tonka Bottle Shop, McDonald's, Edina munis, Sunfish Cellars, Zipp's, Solo Vino, France 44 and Lake Wine & Spirits.

Bill Ward