2002 Torbreck Juveniles

Torbreck winemaker David Powell and Tim Johnston, owner of Juveniles wine bar in Paris, share a love for Rhone wines. When Johnston asked the Aussie vintner to make a wine for him, Powell responded with Juveniles, a blend of Grenache with Mataro (Mourvedre) and Shiraz that has both character and a certain pizazz. Young and juicy, with loads of fruit tasting of plums and blackberries, it has a deep inky color that shouldn’t go anywhere near your summer linens. Don’t let this terrific Rhone-style red get away: It’s perfect for barbecue season.

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Quick swirl

Region: Barossa Valley, Australia

Price: About $23

Style: Fresh and packed with fruit.

Food it goes with: Grilled lamb chops or chicken, roast pork loin and barbecue.

Where you find it: Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, (949) 650-8463; Southern Hemisphere Wine Center in Huntington Beach, (800) 504-9463; Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454; the Wine House in Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731; and Woodland Hills Wine Co. in Woodland Hills, (818) 222-1111.

-- S. Irene Virbila