If you’re stocking up for your Fourth of July BBQ, be sure to pick up a few reds and whites (rounded out with some nice bleu cheese – get it??).  This Saturday’s (6/29) free tasting at Mystic Wine Shoppe in Arlington features two whites – a bubbly Moscato D’Asti from Italy, a Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc (read: Sauvignon Blanc) from Sonoma Valley, and two reds – a red blend from Decoy in Napa Valley and a Petite Petit (Syrah, that is) from the Michel David Winery in California.

I had the chance to sample the Petite Petit ahead of time (3rd from left in this photo – note the fun label!).  The wine is a blend of 85% Petite Sirah alongside 15% Petit Verdot.  This was one of the darkest wines I’ve ever seen in a glass – resembling blueberry juice.  Simply inky and rich-looking.  I smelled dark leather and fruits, and the wine had great tannins and body in the mouth with a long finish.  Do you have big steaks or burgers on the grill in your future?  If so, this is your wine.

None other than Robert Parker awarded this wine 87 points in October, 2012, saying “…with more asphalt, pepper, meaty, leathery characteristics is the big 2010 Petite Petit…It reveals some tannins lurking under the surface as well as a more rustic, forceful style…it is a well made, palate-saturating, value-priced red to drink.”

The Mystic Wine Shoppe tasting will run from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday.  As usual, all wines in the tasting will be discounted 10 percent.