Ruidoso Red is a most unusual blend of three grapes - Zinfandel, Tempranillo and Muscat of Alexandria - that Willmon Vineyards proprietor/winemaker Scott Willmon grows in southern New Mexico. In the Oxford Companion to Wine, Jancis Robinson says, “there are at least four principal varieties of Muscat.” Muscat of Alexandria is one of them and Robinson maintains it’s “ancient” and “in hot climates, it can thrive and produce a good yield of extremely ripe grapes but their chief attribute is sweetness.” Bingo! A good choice for southern New Mexico and one of the 20 varieties that Willmon has planted. And it does make this red blend off dry, pleasant and mellow. It’s interesting when slightly chilled and for those who’d like to enjoy red wines more but find most too dry, a good choice. It’s Willmon’s best seller.

The best for the money

easy to drink red