Why is Red Wine "Red"?

Red wines are defined by the contact the juice has with its red grape skins. The juice is fermented (aka turned into wine) while in contact with its skins, giving red wines their color, texture and taste, mostly from the tannins.

Although a seemingly stuffy wine word – tannins are to thank for a lot of the characteristics you appreciate about red wine. In addition to fermentation on the skins, red (and white) wines can also pick up tannins from aging in oak barrels.

Technically speaking, tannins are groups of molecules that bond together, so for our sake, let's call them elements. These elements come from all parts of a grape, including the seeds, skins and stems. So, when a red wine is put in contact with these elements, it takes on their characteristics, which are typically drying in nature.

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Full-Bodied & Bold Reds

Top Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Zinfandel

Warm the senses with a balance of bold dark fruits and spice. Full-bodied and rich tasting, these wines deliver the spirit of cozy nights by the fire.

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Boneshaker Zinfandel V20 750ML

A vibrant ruby red in color, this 2020 Zinfandel opens with aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry, subtle notes of spice and a hint of leather. On the palate, perfectly ripe red berry and further red fruit flavors are accompanied by a balanced structure, firm tannins and a touch of warm spice on a gentle toasty finish. This Old Vine Zinfandel is sourced from two historical vineyards – Arbor Vineyard and Fathom Ranch – both located in the Mokelumne River AVA, a sub-appellation of the Lodi AVA that is home to more Old Vine Zinfandel vineyards than any region in the U.S. The heritage, head-trained Zinfandel vines in these low-yielding vineyards range from 60 to over 100 years old, with roots that reach deep into well-drained, sandy loam soils. With a Mediterranean climate featuring warm, sunny days and evenings cooled by breezes off the Sacramento River Delta, the Lodi AVA has long been recognized as one of the finest AVAs for growing intensely flavored Zinfandel. Certified sustainable under the highly respected Lodi Rules for Sustainable Farming program, these vineyards promote biodiversity, soil and water health, and community and employee well-being.

Columbia Red Mountain Malbec V20 750ML

Our 2020 Red Mountain Malbec is a dry, full-bodied wine with a powerful presence. A dark purple hue shows in the glass, leading to bouquets of violets and sweet spice. Rich layers of black cherry, plum and raspberry meld together, filling the palate with a depth of decadent berries and dusts of brown sugar. The tannins are beautifully textured through the long finish.

Prati by Louis M. Martini Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon V21 750ML

Our 2021 Prati Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is an elegant expression of Dry Creek and Alexander Valley. The lively nose boasts aromas of blackberry, plum, and black cherry with hints of vanilla. Layers of blackberry jam, black cherry and toasted vanilla on the palate are complimented by soft notes of cedar. Beautifully balanced, this wine offers an acidic structure that holds up nicely to the abundant fruit.

Carnivor Zinfandel V21 750ML

Meat was made for Carnivor. Our boldly blended Zinfandel is a captivating complement to your favourite red meat, layered with notes of dark cherry, blackberry jam, and perfectly toasted oak. Indulge your primal side with Carnivor.

Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon V21 750ML

Aromas of bing cherry, blackberry and cassis with hints of chocolate mocha and caramel. The palate is full-bodied and rich with flavors of ripe berries and dark fruit, supported by silky tannins and notes of vanilla marshmallow and layers of spice on a complex, long finish. While below average winter rainfall led to some light early spring irrigation, the 2021 growing season continued with favorable warm spring weather that aided vines to reach max canopy height. Summer temperatures heated up and slowed down vine growth as vines transitioned into fruit development. Weather leading into harvest was relatively cool and uneventful. Moderate day temperatures and cool nights ensured extended hang times, which resulted in wines with great structure, round mouthfeel, and balanced flavors

Mount Peak Winery Rattlesnake Zinfandel V21 750ML

Rattlesnake Zinfandel is a tribute to the crest called Rattlesnake Hill, the highest point of the Monte Rosso Vineyard. It’s famous for the rattlesnakes living among the vines, seeking sunshine by day and coiling around the vines at night. This Zinfandel is bold and boisterous, with intense layers black cherry, raspberry, licorice and Sichuan pepper. Vanilla and graham cracker undertones linger on the long finish this wine lives up to its name in every way, possessing a power that strikes with intense force.

Medium-Bodied & Fruity Reds

Top Varietals: Pinot Noir, Merlot, Red Blends

These wines are wonderful food companions – well-balanced and not overly tannic.

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Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve Merlot V22 750ML

Our food-friendly, velvety-smooth Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve Dry Creek Valley Merlot offers a full-bodied style with flavorful ripe fruit characteristics and complex structure. Layered notes of dark plum, black cherry and baked blackberry are accented on the robust, well-balanced palate by hints of chocolate, black pepper and spice-roasted nuts. Oak aging adds subtle touches of nutmeg, vanilla and toasted oak on the long, supple finish. Pair this versatile Merlot with roasted chicken or turkey, slow-cooked beef stew or a grilled lamb burger topped with cheese.

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Orin Swift Papillon 750ML 2021

It's rare to find a wine from the Napa Valley composed of all five Bordeaux-style varietals, but for many years, that has been Papillon's focus. The raw strength and prestige of Cabernet Sauvignon buttressed by the opulence of Merlot, the spiciness of Cabernet Franc, the depth of Malbec and the sheer unctuousness of Petit Verdot come together seamlessly. The 2021 Papillon is sourced from Napa Valley growers we've worked with for decades-Stagecoach Vineyard, Indian Joe, Morisoli Vineyard and even a touch from the Monte Rosso Vineyard over on Moon Mountain, just to name a few. Our good friend and fellow winemaker, Greg Gorman, photographed the label. The 2021 Papillon fills the glass with an unmistakable dark crimson, a flash of neon purple and a ruby rim. Tears move glacially and the wine opens with aromatics of boysenberry jam, violets, chocolate covered blueberry and hints of Cara Cara rind, graphite and brioche. The entry and mid-palate are bright throughout with considerable weight-tones of cassis, blackberry and baking spices flourish. Enveloping texture, chalky, drying tannins and an enduring finish bows out the wine.

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Hahn SLH Pinot Noir V21 750ML

Vivid red ruby in the glass, this wine opens with aromas of red fruit, cherry, blackberry and hints of earthiness, delicate toast and vanilla spice. The palate is rich, with refined silky tannins, medium acidity and flavors of cherry, red plums, raspberry and subtle notes of allspice on a long elegant finish. The winter rainfall was slightly below average, but we were able to compensate with early spring irrigation to fill soil profiles before budbreak. Warm spring temperatures aided vine growth and they were able to reach max canopy height. Summer temperatures heated up and slowed down vine growth as vines transitioned into fruit development. Weather leading into harvest was relatively cool and uneventful, which allowed for gradual ripening of the fruit. It was another remarkable growing season in the Santa Lucia Highlands, resulting in wines with beautiful color, concentrated flavors, great structure and naturally balanced acidity. The 2021 vintage was crafted using small-lot winemaking techniques to capture a true expression of each vineyard block. Only estate vineyard lots with consistent superior characteristics were selected to ensure exceptional quality of this blend. The grapes were harvested during cool mornings, brought to the winery, destemmed into open-top stainless-steel tanks, cold-soaked and fermented on the skins for 10 days. The wine was then pressed off, settled and racked into a selection of small 60-gallon French oak barrels where it was aged for 14 months. When the wine was ready to be blended, our winemaker selected only the finest barrels that exemplify the aromas and flavors of the Santa Lucia Highlands.

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Tornatore Etna Rosso DOC V19 750ML

Tornatore Etna Rosso is ruby red with faint purple color, a typical trait of the Nerello Mascalese variety, which is not known for rich color. The wine has notes of macerated strawberries and raspberries, morello cherries and black plum, which blend with subtle hints of herbs and earth. Surprisingly full in structure, fine tannins and bright acidity give the wine richness, complexity and persistence.

Columbia Winery Merlot V21 750ML

The deep ruby color of our 2021 Columbia Merlot alludes to enticing aromas of rich ripe fruits and a subtle hint of vanilla and cocoa. The intense sunlight and south facing exposure of this region produced fruit with complex, dark berry character. In the cellar, our oak regimen resulted in pronounced notes of toasted vanilla and baking spice. Balanced acidity complements the textured mouthfeel, leading into a bold, lingering finish.

Locations CA California Red Wine 750ML

Provided with a wide assortment of microclimates and soil profiles to exploit, California can be a winemaker's dream. We navigated the famed appellations of Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, and the Sierra foothills to reach our goal of creating a blend that showcases the best of the Golden State. Blend Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Syrah, Malbec, Grenache Winemaker Notes A diverse set of aromas present themselves—blueberry compote, maraschino cherries, brambly raspberry and a touch of licorice and tomato leaf. The palate is silky smooth, almost slippery, with bursting flavors of ripe strawberry, red plum, kirsch and graham cracker. Chalky tannins and a long-structured finish round out the wine. Aging Barrel aged 10 months in French oak barrels

MacMurray Estate Vineyards Pinot Noir V21 750ML

Our 2021 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is a full-bodied wine with pronounced notes of luscious dark fruit. On the nose, aromas of dark cherries rise first, followed by dusts of cocoa and toasted oak. A silky mouthfeel leads to layers of dark raspberry and ripe strawberry with hints of vanilla. The finish is long and lingering with a vibrant pop of cherry at the end.

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FAQs

1. Which red wines are the best to drink?
“Best” depends on your palate. Tasting notes, acidity, and the body of wine all play a factor in your preference. If you’re looking for something the critics have praised, try the Estancia Cabernet Sauvignon, which received 91 Points from Wine Review. Reasonably priced ($13.99), layers of dark berries create a velvety mouthfeel, underscored by threads of lightly toasted oak, caramel and a drop of raspberry on the finish.

2. Which red should I drink if I want something sweet?
We’ve got several sweet reds to choose from. For a spiked rich red blend with hints of caramelized orange, try Lolli Sweet Spiked.

3. Can I cook with red wine?
Absolutely! Cooking with red wine enhances the flavors of savory, bold dishes, like marinated steak and beef stew. We recommend using Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, or Merlot when cooking—the acidity of these wines tenderizes meat. When simmered, the alcohol evaporates but leaves all the delicious tasting notes.

4. Do I need a special glass?
It depends on the type of red wine you’re pouring. For a bold red, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel, a larger glass with a wide opening is best; this allows the aromas and flavors to breathe (it’s also a great glass for Merlot). For Grenache, a standard red wine glass with a smaller opening is ideal to soften the spice notes, while Pinot Noir is divine in a Burgundy glass, as its larger bowl highlights the wine’s delicate aromas.

5. When do I drink red wine?
Red wine can be enjoyed throughout the year, but we do have some suggestions! Pair the fall season with a fruit-forward, oaky Pinot Noir. Enjoy a full-bodied, rich Cabernet Sauvignon in winter and a Genache with floral and herbal notes in the spring. Come summer, pour a Merlot that has layered notes of ripe berries.