California Red Blends Sampler #1 - Under $50 Favorites

California Red Blends Sampler #1 - Under $50 Favorites

A $147 Value, Sampler Price Just $110

It often makes us wince a bit when someone comes in and says that they "don't like blends" after we recommend one to them. Usually because they then ask for a Chianti, Rioja or Bordeaux (all of which are most often blends) or ask for a California Cabernet Sauvignon, which more often than not is not 100% Cabernet as California laws allow for up to 25% of other grapes be blended into a wine and it still be labeled as a single varietal wine. 
The point we're trying to make here is that if you don't think you like California Red Blends, then you just haven't tried the right one yet.  A California "red blend" could be anything that contains more than one varietal and that means that the variety of flavors and styles is endless.  Meaning that there is a Cali Blend out there for every red wine lover!

The Dirty Pure Wine Project "The Bomb" Red -  A delicious Grenache based blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.  The wine has a deep ruby color and aromas of ripe red fruits, vanilla, spice, and oak. The palate is full-bodied and smooth, with flavors of strawberry jam, raspberry, plum, black pepper, and toasty oak. The wine has a long and satisfying finish with soft tannins and balanced acidity. The wine is named "The Bomb" to reflect its bold and explosive character, as well as the winery's philosophy of making wines that are fun, expressive, and uncomplicated.

Trentadue "OPR" - The Trentadue "OPR" (Old Patch Red) is predominately Zin blended with Petite Sirah and Carignane resulting in very fruity yet complex and full-bodied Rhone- like style wine. The wine has dark red color with intense black cherry aromas, blueberries, and cherry cola as an immediate impression. With aeration nuances of ripe plums, vanilla and cocoa are showing with a dose of toasted oak and dark licorice. On the mouth the wine is fresh and juicy with youthful brightness, finishing long and fruity.

Ca'Momi Rosso - One of Taylor's best selling wines for years until a change in distribution make it unavailable to us for a while.  Back now with a new distributor, the current vintage is another stunning value and may very well become one of our best sellers again.  The current Rosso is equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Merlot with just a splash of Petite Sirah.  It boasts complex aromas of raspberry, plum, balsamic and coffee. On the palate, flavors of ripe red berries, cherries, and hints of vanilla. This wine boasts an array of oak notes including caramel, vanilla, and cigar box. 

 Austin Hope "Quest"  - As Austin Hope has dialed the farming of their Cabernet Franc vineyard, the Quest blend has featured more and more Franc in the blend.  Fans of Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon probably already know Austin Hope's eponymous Cabernet and/or Treana Cabernet, but if you haven't tried the Quest Red yet, then your really missing out.  We love the notes of mint and spice that the 20% Cab Franc adds to Austin Hope's fantastic deep and rich Cabernet.  This blend displays a beautiful nose of anise seed, warm chocolate, and fresh mint. On the palette flavors of black fruit, dark chocolate, and slightly earthy nuance of leather are present. On the finish, soft fine tannins leave alight coat on the palette and mingle with a delicate touch of acidity that balance the wine allowing the delightful flavors to linger.

 Hearst Ranch "Randolph Red" - Named after owner Steve Hearst's famous great-grandfather William Randolph Hearst, the "Randolph Red" is an untraditional blend (23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Petit Verdot, 23% Petite Sirah, 23% Tempranillo, 7% Malbec, 1% Zinfandel) that has a harmonious ease about it. With a dense, dark color and supple mouthfeel, this versatile wine over-delivers at every turn. The nose has an unmistakable spice courtesy of the Bordeaux varietals and jammy, lush flavors on the palate. The ripe flavor profile allows this wine to be sipped as an aperitif while the plush weight on the palate makes it a perfect food wine as well.

 Keplinger "Vermillion" Red Blend - Winemaker Helen Keplinger became famous in wine circles by making world class Cabernet and Cab based blends at wineries such as Bryant Family, Carte Blanche and Grace Family Wines, which earned her a nod as Wine Spectator's 2012 Winemaker of the Year.  As much as the loves working with the absolute best fruit, vineyards and wineries that money can buy, she relishes the challenge of making a delicious yet affordable wine too.  Thus Vermillion was born in partnership with her husband DJ Warner, and though more accessibly priced than her primary range, it's made with just as much care using grapes from choice vineyard plots across Napa Valley, Sonoma County and the Sierra Foothills.
Flavors of ripe raspberries, plums, blackberries, and cherries shimmy across the palate, accompanied by flourishes of sweet spice, cinnamon, cedar, vanilla, and earth. Delicately balanced and dangerously drinkable, this is sure to elevate burgers or other grilled fare.

750ml x 6

Please note that with the uncertainty around deliveries from our suppliers, it might become necessary to make comparable substitutions in our mixed packs as certain items run out.  Thanks for understanding!