Unexpected Napa and Sonoma Red Wines ft. Bravante, Dominus, and More!

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.

Beresini's 2021 Wagging Tail reflects Los Carneros with crisp acidity, red berry fruit, earthy nuance and spice in an artisanal, vineyard-driven red.

Limerick Lane's 2022 Syrah brings blackberry, anise, tobacco, leather and black olive, with a structured, vibrant palate and lingering savory intensity.

The Vice "The Millennial" is a multi-vintage Napa Valley red blend made from Petite Sirah, Malbec, Primitivo, Tempranillo and Charbono. It shows warm lava cake, dark cacao, blueberry jam, ripe strawberry, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom and sweet tobacco, with a satin-smooth palate.

Peterson's 2018 Bradford Mountain Cabernet Franc layers dark cherry, black raspberry, cedar and baking spice over supple tannins, integrated oak and mineral depth.

Sonoma Mountain Syrah offers black pepper, fig and plum with vanilla, coconut and sage. Black currant, dark cherry, cedar, cured meat and olive add savory depth to a focused.

98pt - JustWinePoints.com. Meadowcroft's 2022 Speedy Creek Sangiovese combines ripe cherry and plum with boysenberry, black currant, vanilla and black pepper.

Sourced from DaVero’s biodynamic, Italian-inspired farming program in Dry Creek Valley, the 2021 Primitivo offers dark plum, dried fig, rustic earth, and bright, food-friendly acidity.

Armida's 2021 Tina's Block Zinfandel offers blackberry, plum, anise and black currant with raspberry pie, blueberry, juicy cranberry and savory spice.

The 2022 Paraduxx Pintail is a Zinfandel-and-Cabernet-inspired Napa Valley red blend with red currant, raspberry, florals, leather, baking spice, brown sugar, cracked pepper and oak spice, finishing fresh with refined tannins.

95pt - James Suckling. Keller Estate's 2022 Rotie layers dark cherry, apricot, cured meat and cedar with savory herbs, fine tannins and bright acidity.

The 2023 Lamborn Somers Ranch Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel is rich with blackberry, plum and black cherry. Pepper, cocoa, earth and vanilla add warmth and savory depth, while a full body and balanced structure keep the ripe fruit composed through the finish.

Deerfield's 2018 Huntley Vineyard Merlot layers raspberry, dark cherry and plum with dark chocolate, mocha and oak, framed by a rich, smooth Sonoma palate.

Bougetz's 2021 Sardonyx Cabernet Franc offers black fruit, white pepper and tea leaf, with full-bodied black currant and black cherry shaped by Mount Veeder structure.

Madrigal's 2021 Cabernet Franc delivers plush black fruit, plum, cherry, dark chocolate and pepper with a velvety texture and polished Calistoga richness.

The 2021 Foley Johnson Handmade Petit Verdot is a rare standalone Rutherford expression of the varietal, showing deep color, dark cherry, violet, sage, plum compote, cedar, vanilla, roasted coffee, and firm tannins.

Artesa's 2018 Limited Release Merlot layers cherry, raspberry, cassis, oak and dark chocolate over a smooth, silky texture and mellow Napa Valley structure.

Guarachi's 2017 G blends Cabernet, Malbec and Petit Verdot into a muscular Napa red with supple black fruit, iron, firm tannins and generous French oak.

94pt - Wine Advocate. Buoncristiani's 2019 O.P.C. layers currant, blackberry and spearmint with anise, cardamom, fine-grained texture and vibrant length.

Buoncristiani's 2021 Malbec layers blackberry, boysenberry, plum and dark cherry with violets, baking spice, sage and cedar over fresh acidity and dusty tannins.

Bravante's 2021 Trio blends Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, showing smoky pepper, bright fruit and a smooth, full-bodied Howell Mountain profile.

The 2017 Limerick Lane Bedrock Vineyard Zinfandel comes from one of Sonoma Valley's historic mixed-black vineyards. The cuvée's established profile favors bright red fruit, citrus, flowers and pepper, with fresh acidity and a long finish keeping the old-vine concentration energetic.

The 2019 Artesa DeLouise Vineyard Merlot is sourced from 100% DeLouise Vineyard in Oak Knoll District. It offers boysenberry, grenadine, mocha and spice aromas, with blueberry, black cherry and plum on the palate.

93pt - Jeb Dunnuck. Blackbird's 2019 Arise layers red and black fruit, dark herbs, chocolate and pepper over ripe tannins, elegant texture and balanced freshness.

Heir Apparent's 2019 Cabernet Franc combines raspberry, blackcurrant and strawberry with olive tapenade, herbs, vanilla and a smooth, lively palate.

Buoncristiani's 2009 Dolcetto di Nonno layers black raspberry, dark cherry and wild blueberry over bright acidity and fine tannins, with licorice, cocoa and mineral notes.

The 2016 Episode Proprietary Red is a Napa Valley Bordeaux-style blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Rated 93+ points by Wine Advocate, it shows baked black cherry, warm plum, cassis, cedar, cigar box, sandalwood, potpourri and star anise.

99pt - James Suckling. Dominus 2023 unfolds with black currant, plum, blueberry, violet and sandalwood, framed by ultra-fine tannins, savory earth and polished length.

94pt - Wine Spectator. Duckhorn's 2017 The Discussion combines cassis, plum and red licorice with roasted wood, red tea, iron and a structured, polished palate.

99pt - Jeb Dunnuck. Kapcsandy's 2016 Rapszodia Cabernet Franc layers blueberry, black currant, flowers and graphite with subtle chocolate, spice and seamless balance.