We can feel it in the air. The season's changing, and red-wine weather is just about here. It's not that we're totally saying goodbye to sauvignon blanc and riesling quite yet, but our palate's craving some juicy reds as the leaves start to turn. Here are three bottles to consider.
Vale Do Bomfim 2006 Douro Valley (13 percent alcohol, $12): Let's start in Portugal's Douro Valley, in vineyards that produce grapes for Dow port. As a dry red wine, and minus the fortification, this blend of touriga franca and three other varietals shows a plummy, almost zinfandel-like nose and deep purple color. But this wine isn't overly weighty, with bright berry flavors and earthy components that may pair especially well with lamb. Available at The Market at Pavilions (515 Pavilions Lane, Sacramento; 916-929-4422).
Concannon 2007 Central Coast Selected Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (13.5 percent alcohol, $10): Cabernet sauvignon, we've missed you over the past few months. So we're getting up to speed with a Central Coast cabernet with a pleasingly moderate alcohol level, and notes of cherry and oak on both the nose and palate. Don't expect much complexity here, but the price is right and will serve you fine as a juicy table wine. Available at select Raley's stores.
Twisted Rivers 2006 Raven (14.5 percent alcohol, $35): Local wine enthusiasts may recognize Duke Heringer from Clarksburg's Heringer Estates family. He's also banched out with the Twisted Rivers label, which produces petite sirah from Clarksburg and a Napa Valley red wine called Raven. A blend dominated by merlot and cabernet sauvignon, with additions of petite verdot and a dash of petite sirah, the Raven is for folks who like their wines ripe and hearty. Expect plenty of dark fruit flavors, with pronounced oak and tannins. Raven just about screams for some steak. www.twistedrivers.com.
– Chris Macias, Bee food and wine writer
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