Red blends are one of the trendiest categories in wine today.  With alluring fruit and polished tannins,  these wines are friendly and crowd pleasing.  So, rather than spending $50 on a brilliant, but over-priced Cab, just pop the cork on one of these and enjoy.  

Locations “AR” 6 Red Blend

Grape(s): Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Spain

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Waves of blueberries, blackberries, and dried figs intermingle among hints of dark chocolate and earth on the nose. Lush blueberry, plum, and fig are accented by notes of smoke, earth, and cocoa on the palate. Rich fruit and nice structure make this a ideal wine to pair with a beef stew.

Rating: 90

Daou 2016 “The Pessimist” Blend

Grape(s): 54% Petite Sirah, 27% Syrah, & 19% Zinfandel

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Luscious red and black fruit, as well as expressions of sweet spice and mocha rise up from a glass. A wealth of raspberry, cherry, and boysenberry weaves in suggestions of clove, roasted coffee, and dark chocolate on the palate. Ample fruit and a friendly acidity make this an approachable wine that will pair nicely with a pulled pork sandwich.

Rating: 90

The Dreaming Tree 2015 “Crush” Red Blend

Grape(s): Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah & Tannat

Region: California

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

There’s an abundance of black cherries, boysenberries, and plums, along with whispers of dark chocolate and marzipan on the nose. The palate is luscious, yet bright, as cherry, plum, and raspberry flavors come together with chocolate and toasted almonds. Plenty of jammy fruit, it’s an approachable, forward red that will accompany Asian BBQ well.

Rating: 90