Le Mistral Joseph's Red Blend Monterey 2019 750ml

Joseph Phelps created the Le Mistral Vineyard and label in 1985 as part of his "Rhône Ranger" project (he'd already made California's first varietal Syrah in 1974). Phelps sold the Le Mistral brand and 40-acre Arroyo Seco vineyard to Ventana Vineyards in 2007 (confirmed via Wine Spectator), and it later passed to Folktale Winery under Gregory Ahn. "Joseph's Blend" is literally named in tribute to Phelps.  

2019 composition: 48% Grenache, 39% Syrah, 13% Mourvèdre (this blend shifts by vintage — 2017 was 64/33/3 Grenache-Syrah-Petite Sirah, 2021 was 61/39 Grenache-Syrah — so vintage-to-vintage variation is part of the story, not a flaw).

Tasting notes (Wine Enthusiast, Matt Kettmann): fresh boysenberry, violet, and dusty-rock aromas; boysenberry and black-plum on the palate riding through "rocky fields of lavender." Aged roughly 11 months in French oak, single-vineyard, ~900+ cases produced, quoted aging potential of 10-12 years.

Food pairings: Lamb, herb-roasted or grilled chicken, mushroom dishes, hard aged cheeses — classic GSM territory.