Argentina is first and foremost known for its love of Malbec and its status as its leading global producer. So it only makes sense that if the mountainous, valley-laden terroir of Argentina is amenable to Malbec, then other Bordeaux varieties would thrive there all the same; including Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes used in the Black Cabra label come from some of the most commercially and critically successful vineyards in Mendoza; responsible for brands such as Tapiz and Zolo. Following an extended cold-soak maceration to extract the rich shades of ruby popular in Argentinian reds, the juice is aged in French oak for 8 months, resulting in an approachable, style-appropriate version of Argentina Cabernet. The wine pours a rich ruby color with purple hues and minor rim variation; offering aromas of dark red and blue fruits accented by granite and black pepper. The palate is full-bodied with well-integrated tannins, offering crunchy dark cherry and blue fruit notes supplemented by cassis and vanilla. There will be a number of steak wines on this list, so alternatives are needed. Think a rich, spicy beef stew that plays well with the fruitiness and structure of this wine.
Though Bordeaux is most prominently known for its producers listed under the 1855 Classification such as the first growths of Château Mouton Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion, there are a plethora of lower-designated producers making wines that demonstrate some of the key features of Bordeaux-based wines at a significantly-friendlier price point; with Mission ‘St. Vincent’ among them. This a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon sourced primarily from Entre-Deux-Mers, an area of Bordeaux primarily known for dry whites and a universal focus on all Bordeaux varieties. This blend is aged in a combination of stainless steel and oak to maintain acid and freshness. This wine pours a medium ruby with purple hues, offering notes of fresh, acidic red and blue fruits laced with toasty wood and vanilla. The palate is full-bodied with appropriate overall structure, offering a mixture of red and blue fruits, herbaceousness, and slight hints of spice.
When we think of Australia, we think of Shiraz; and when we think of Shiraz, we think of dry, hot, sunny regions like Barossa that yield massively fruity and powerful wines respected the world over (Think Grange, Carnival of Love, etc.). Lesser known are the ‘cold-climate’ regions of Australia, particularly when it comes to red varieties. Victoria contains acclaimed sub-regions known for Australia’s lesser known wine gems, like the Muscat a Petit Grains-based dessert wines of Rutherglen. Shiraz, however, has a small, but respected place here as cold-climate variations are created. Mount Langi Ghiran specializes in these unique iterations of Australian Shiraz, and the ‘Billi Billi’ is no exception. This wine pours a garnet hue; lighter in contrast to its counterparts in Barossa, offering aromas of cherry, black plum, and blackberry accented by notes of violet and black pepper. The palate offers medium, but well-integrated tannins accented with lip-smacking acidity; all enveloping a core of blue and black fruits. Pair this with braised meats in order to create a dichotomy of controlled and hedonistic richness.
The result of Rich Salvestrin’s vision for an accessible, but overachieving California red, ‘The Cult’ is a blend of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petite Sirah sourced from Lodi. The deep ruby color offers aromas of black cherry, vanilla, cigar smoke, and bittersweet chocolate. Globs of milk chocolate and raspberry make up the palate, with sweet tannins and a lengthy, complex finish rounding the experience out. This is a versatile food wine that could easily go with a multitude of cuisines.
Does the name of this winery look familiar? It should! We featured Chateau Nozieres’ base Cahors on the Gold Club back in June and it was a smash hit! As such, we decided to feature one of their premier products on the Platinum list, and wow, is this a stunner! As a quick recap, Cahors is the original champion of Malbec, with its ‘black wines’ dating back to the 16th century. All Cahors must be at least 85% Malbec, with Merlot and Tannat being the only legal options for blending. The ‘Ambroise de L’Her’ is 90% Malbec and 10% Merlot, and goes through 14 months of aging in French Oak. The nose is INTENSE, with crunchy black fruits cut with coffee, hints of vanilla and herbs. This wine is immensely structured, offering dense tannins and bright acidity around a core of plum and blackberry. If there is any wine that could be singled out on this list as ‘steak-friendly’, it is undoubtedly this. Pair with a ribeye and enjoy!
If you have ever asked Brian about Zin, you have likely heard him drone on about how it differs drastically from area to area; wishing the whole way he would stop talking. Some point during these monologues, you have likely heard that Napa-sourced Zin’s are generally more structured in comparison to its various counterparts; which is true! Oakville is quickly becoming a favorite, with Michael Pozzan’s version being an excellent style-appropriate example. This Zin sees an impressive 18 months in a combination of French and American Oak, yielding a decadent, dark ruby hue. The nose offers plush raspberry, hints of stone fruit, and pungent black peppercorn. The palate is very full-bodied, with supple, sweet tannins and toasty oak accenting reduced raspberry, juicy cherry, and milk chocolate. I’ll say it once, I’ll say it again: Zin and BBQ is beautiful, and this pairing will serve you well!
For the first time since last year, we have a bonafide ‘old vine’ blend in SWB! This is a blend from winemaker Katie Carter of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet, and Carignan sourced from some of the most respected appellations in CA for all of these varieties. This blend is aged 15 months in a combination of Hungarian and American oak. This pours an inviting blend of ruby and purple, offering aromas of boysenberry, raspberry, black-tea and spicy mesquite. The palate is predictably rich and full-bodied, with Petite Sirah’s quintessentially dusty tannins showing through, along with macerated raspberry, black pepper, and bramble. This is an upscale, juiced version of the ‘old vine’ style, and shows its increased nuance and care in spades.
J. Lohr?!? Hear us out! This is a restaurant-only offering from Paso Robles giant J. Lohr, but one that goes much beyond its reputation as grocery wine producer. This blend takes everything unique to Paso and recklessly turns it up to 11, offering a wine deserving of its namesake. This blend of Cabernet, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Malbec is aged for 18 months in a combination of French and American Oak. The look is decadently ruby, completely opaque in quality. The nose offers a combination of fruitcake, bright cherry, and vanilla supplemented by subtle spice. The palate is rich, creamy, and full-bodied with velvety tannins and balanced acidity. There is a decadent core of mocha, vanilla, and fruit that deftly rides the line between acceptable and overkill, offering one of the most decadent reds I have seen here in my time at Steve’s. Food pairings? You need something ridiculously decadent to stand up to this; think braised short ribs.