Think outside the varietal this summer with these classy Napa red wine blends courtesy of Ehlers Estate, Hall, and Franciscan Estate.

Chardonnay is still king, capturing 21% of all wine sales. Next popular varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon (12%), Merlot (9%), and Pinot Grigio/Gris (8%).

“This terroir deserves wines that can be aged.” Cathy Corison doesn’t do trends. The esteemed winemaker–27 years in the business–also doesn’t give two hoots about the superficial.

One of the biggest challenges here is the climate; the dry desert and scorching sun conspire to create conditions not entirely friendly to a bottle of wine which would otherwise prefer to chill out at 57F degrees.

Terroir is always a popular topic of discussion whenever oenophiles gather. Does soil imprint a unique flavor profile on wines? Or is the matter more likely in the hands of the winemaker?

Best of all, there’s no blood filled elevators in sight. Kubrick and The Overlook. There’s another combo that gets the job done in style.

Over the years I’ve cellared up a bunch of Turnbull reds. I look forward to seeing how they evolve over time; it’s the kind of “research” that requires lots and lots and lots of tasting!

Be wary not to confuse this with the “Love Shack” which, of course, commemorates Haight-Ashbury.