'Cue Up BBQ Reds ft. DAOU, The Prisoner, And More!

This 90-point Best Buy from Wine Enthusiast brings classic Paso Cabernet energy with dusty cherry, cranberry, mahogany and tobacco leaf aromas. The palate layers baked cherry with wild thyme and sage, finishing with a chalky, savory edge that keeps it balanced and food-friendly.

This North Coast Cabernet pours deep garnet and leans into a plush, fruit-forward style. Blackcurrant and dark plum dominate the palate, with integrated tannins and a smooth finish that make it approachable right out of the gate.

The 2019 Trione Flatridge Ranch Zinfandel shows cherry-vanilla aromatics, blueberry, sandalwood, tobacco, licorice and chocolate fudge. Bright acidity and polished texture give this Sonoma Coast Zinfandel lift and balance.

This 2023 Paso Robles Syrah from Sculpterra is rich and savory, with black cherry, ripe blueberry, orange peel, black pepper tea, smoke, cedar, and toasted notes, all carried by the ripe texture Paso Syrah is known for.

The 2021 Chris Hamilton Cellars Merlot is a Yountville / Napa Valley Merlot blended with 10% Cabernet Franc. It opens with red raspberry, spiced mocha, clove, blueberry, violet and wild sage, leading into red fruit, incense and tobacco, with fine-grained tannins and a smooth finish.

The 2022 Peachy Canyon Ms. Behave Malbec is a ripe, fruit-forward Paso Robles red with raspberry, Bing cherry, red licorice, cinnamon, cola, sage and subtle mineral notes, finishing with a lush, polished feel.

The 2022 Prisoner Red Blend opens with ripe raspberry, vanilla and coconut, followed by fresh and dried blackberry, pomegranate and vanilla on a smooth, luscious finish. The blend includes Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Merlot and Malbec.

The 2022 Meadowcroft River Trace GSM blends 66% Grenache, 21% Syrah and 13% Mourvèdre. It offers dark cherry, raspberry, toasty oak, allspice, fruit compote, fig, Italian plum, tobacco and silky tannins.

The 2022 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot is 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. It shows floral notes, dark red berries, supple polished tannins and a long, vibrant finish.

Rated 95 points by James Suckling, the 2023 Robert Biale Stagecoach Vineyard Zinfandel is a fresh, acid-driven mountain Zinfandel with tangy fruit, full body and structure from its Atlas Peak sourcing.

The 2017 Desert Wind Sandstorm Zephyr is a deeply colored, robust Wahluke Slope red blend. With bottle age, it balances dark berry fruit with dried herbs, leather, and smooth, integrated tannins.

Rated 96 points by Decanter, the 2021 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a layered, fragrant Cabernet aged 24 months in American oak, with precision, red-fruited depth and a seamless finish.

The 2022 Jayson Red Wine is a Merlot-dominant, Bordeaux-inspired Napa blend with macerated raspberry, pencil lead, clove, cedar, fresh sage, polished tannins, earth, spice and bright acidity.

Rated 97 points by James Suckling, the 2023 Napanook is a Yountville / Napa Valley Bordeaux-style red composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. It shows blueberry, ash, stones, blackberry, orange peel, chocolate, cedar and polished tannins. Use "red wine" or "Bordeaux-style red" rather than calling it straight Cabernet Sauvignon.

Rated 99 points by Decanter, the 2022 Quintessa is a Rutherford estate red with blueberry, blackcurrant, florality, dried herbs, high acidity, profound structure and refined energy.