Element 79 2016 Estate Alloy Blend

ABV: 14.9% 

PRICE: $35

PURCHASE: Element 79 Vineyards, 7350 Fairplay Road, Somerset, 916-337-2718, element79vineyards.com

TASTING NOTES: This exceptional red blend—consisting of 41% Zinfandel, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah, and 9% Petite Sirah—is aged for 19 months in 37% new French and American oak, resulting in a delectable wine with earthy aromas, a juicy, pomegranate palate, balanced acid, and silky long tannins.

Pair with beef bourguignon or coq au vin.

Bogle 2016 Phantom Red

ABV: 14.5% 

PRICE: $20

PURCHASE: Bogle Vineyards, 37783 County Road 144, Clarksburg, 916-744-1092, boglewinery.com

TASTING NOTES: Full-bodied and jammy, this blend of Petite Sirah and Zinfandel tantalizes the senses with spicy pepper and juniper, while black plums and blueberries emerge on the palate, and notes of tobacco and clove settle around the long, lingering finish.

Pair with osso bucco.

FOR THE RECIPE, VISIT SACBOOMER.COM

Revolution Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 14.5% 

PRICE: $34 

PURCHASE: Revolution Winery & Kitchen, 2831 S Street, Sacramento, 916-444-7711, rev.wine

 

TASTING NOTES: Unmistakably Cabernet Sauvignon, the nose begins with cherry and cranberry, some eucalyptus, and an herbal bay leaf quality. On the palate, it’s soft, smooth, and dense with bright, acid-driven fruit, structured tannins, and subtle cedar notes on the finish.

Pair with beef stew or braised short ribs.

Oakstone 2017 Reserve Petite Sirah

ABV: 14.7% 

PRICE: $36

PURCHASE: Oakstone Winery, 6470 Irish Acres Road, Fair Play, 530-620-5303, oakstone-winery.com

TASTING NOTES: An award-winning single vineyard designate from the winery’s estate “Geoff & Katy” vineyard, this beautiful, full-bodied Petite Sirah is redolent with dark fruit, big tannins, a rich mouthfeel, and a long-lasting finish.

Pair with braised or grilled lamb.

Bailarin 2016 Rockpile Zinfandel

ABV: 15.2% 

PRICE: $55

PURCHASE: *Bailarín Cellars, 720 K Street, Sacramento, 916-754-2937, bailarincellars.com

TASTING NOTES: This wine immediately grabs the drinker with its unforgettable nose and bold flavors of black cherry, plum, black currant, and black licorice, alongside hints of Brie and tobacco. Notes of brambleberry, cocoa nibs, fennel, and leather follow. It finishes how it starts: big and richly elegant with lingering tastes of pomegranate, vanilla, and beautifully integrated tannins.

*This is a limited-production lot and only released to Wine Club Members.

Pair with BBQ ribs.

Compiled by Megan Wiskus