For the Chilly Winter, a Selection of Warming Reds

With the winter season in full swing, it seems like a good idea to partake in drinking some stellar red wines. It seems that at times nothing is more enjoyable than grabbing a glass of red wine, sitting in front of the fire, and relaxing. Here are some of my favorite reds for drinking during the winter.


California, Robert Hall, Paso Robles, Rhone de Robles, 2006, 13.9%

The Robert Hall Rhone de Robles is an incredibly enjoyable wine at an appealing price of $15. A blend of grenache, syrah, and cinsaut counoise, this wine is garnet in color with notes of ruby red, and exhibits wonderful aromas of cherry, blackberry, and cinnamon. On the palate the wine showcases notes of spice, herbs, and dark cocoa, accompanied by a medium-heavy body, high acid, and robust tannins. Finishing with a good balance, complexity, and length, this wine can be enjoyed for another two to three years. 


Rhone de Robles? The name is a play on Paso Robles, where the wine is made, and the infamous Rhône Valley in France. 

Spain, Giné Giné, Priorat, 2006, 14.5%

I adore this wine! With an intriguing color of purple-red, this lovely blend of 50% grenache and 50% carignane, this classic wine has a luscious ruby-red and garnet color. On the nose the wine opens with blackberry, pepper, and cinnamon, then enhances on the palate with notes of earth, toast, and cedar. Medium towards heavy in body with medium tannins and low acid, this wine has a good finish, excellent complexity, and enjoyable length. Drink over the next four years. Reasonably priced at $20. 


South Africa, Kanonkop Kadette, Stellenbosch, 2008, 14%

At around $12, this wine is a steal! A delightful blend of 45% pinotage, 17% merlot, 29% cabernet sauvignon, and 9% cabernet franc, this blend has a delightful purple color and boasts aromas of pepper and smoke on the nose. On the palate the wine opens and expresses wonderful notes of blackberry, dried red fruit, and herbs. Medium in body with good acid and enjoyable tannins, this wine has excellent balance, good intensity, and enjoyable complexity. Enjoy over the next four years. 

California, Alexander Valley Vineyards, Alexander Valley, Zinfandel, 2008, Temptation Zin, 14.5%

At an amazing price of $12, this zinfandel is superb. With a luscious royal purple color, this zinfandel is juicy, round, and so flavorful. Boysenberries, black cherries, and preserved plums dominate the palate with a finish of slight spice. With gentle acidity, round tannins, and an enjoyable finish, this zinfandel is a perfect "everyday" wine. Capable of lasting another four years, this zinfandel pairs wonderfully with burgers, rich pizzas, and hearty BBQ. A perfect winter warmer!