Best Red Wine Varieties to Try - Home & Texture
Best Of 2024 Best Red Wine

Red Wine is a Classic Staple — And These Are the Best Ones to Try

Merlot, anyone?

October 15, 2024 at 4:30 AM PST
Best Of 2024 Best Red Wine

Red Wine is a Classic Staple — And These Are the Best Ones to Try

Merlot, anyone?

October 15, 2024 at 4:30 AM PST

As autumn settles in, I find myself not only reaching for a cozy sweater and my Maison Margiela Tabi shoes but also embracing the tradition of transitioning my wine preferences. This shift marks a move from refreshing rosés and crisp whites to bold red wines. It’s a subtle change that mirrors the transformation of the season, with the crisp air and changing leaves inspiring a desire for more depth and complex wines.

My journey with wine has evolved significantly over the years. In college, I consumed so much white wine that by my mid-20s, I completely lost the taste for it. This marked the beginning of my love affair with red wine—a relationship that has endured ever since.

As a red wine enthusiast, I’ve developed a preference for woody, oaky varieties such as Cabernet, Merlot, and Bordeaux. However, I recognize that wine preferences are highly personal, with some favoring sweeter, lighter red wines. The beauty of wine lies in its diversity, offering something for every palate.

If you’re a red wine drinker or interested in knowing where to start, we’ll deep dive into what to look for in a red wine and the best red wines you need to try.

What to Look For in a Red Wine?

When choosing a red wine, consider key factors such as appearance, aroma, taste, and body. Look for clarity and rich color, complex scents, and a balance of flavors. Assess the wine’s texture and finish and consider varietal characteristics and potential food pairings. While price can be a factor, focus on finding value within your budget. Remember, the best red wine is one that ultimately suits your taste preferences.

Best Red Wine
Photo credit: Mensent Photography

Best Red Wines of 2024

Best Overall

Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

  • Rating: 10/10

This boutique winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon turns heads and challenges old-world perceptions with every pour. Bursting with the essence of sun-kissed fruit and a whisper of oak, this wine dances on the palate with a perfect balance of boldness and elegance. What sets this Cab apart is its ability to capture the terroir of Sonoma in liquid form. It’s a wine that doesn’t just age well — it evolves, telling a more complex story with each passing year.

Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

This Sonoma County gem, crafts an elegant and robust Cabernet Sauvignon. This distinguished wine competes with the finest European offerings, showcasing the exceptional quality of Sonoma's vineyards.

Best Budget

McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Red Blend

  • Rating: 10/10

The McBride Sisters and founders of the Black-owned wine collection, Black Girl Magic, has a red blend that expertly combines the best attributes of several grape varieties. This wine offers a fusion of flavors, including spicy notes often associated with high-quality wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec.

McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Red Blend

The McBride Sisters, founders of the largest Black-owned wine company in the United States, have crafted a beautiful red blend that showcases the finest qualities of various grape varieties. This exquisite wine combines the peppery notes reminiscent of a premium Cabernet Sauvignon, the luscious chocolate undertones characteristic of a fine Merlot and the deep, dark fruit flavors typically found in a robust Malbec.

Best Sparkling

Forbidden Kiss Sweet Red Sparkling Wine

  • Rating: 7/10

This sparkling red wine tantalizes the senses with its effervescent charm. A delightful medley of sweet, ripe fruit flavors dances on the palate, led by luscious notes of strawberry and cherry. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a lighter, more approachable red. This sparkling gem is ideal for casual gatherings or as an aperitif.

Forbidden Kiss Sweet Red Sparkling Wine

This sparkling red wine offers a symphony of sweet, vibrant flavors. With its prominent notes of fresh red berries, it provides a truly enjoyable tasting experience. The wine's lower alcohol content makes it a great choice for those who may be sensitive to higher alcohol levels, allowing for a more comfortable and relaxed sipping session.

Best Splurge

Lail J. Daniel Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

  • Rating: 10/10

This bougie Cab is worth all the money as it expertly combines strength and intricacy. The wine presents lively aromas of dark fruits and cocoa. On the palate, it delivers rich flavors of berries and spices, delivering a sensory taste of texture that is smooth yet robust.

Lail J. Daniel Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

This full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon masterfully balances power and complexity. Its rich profile features an array of dark fruit flavors, prominently showcasing ripe blackberries and black currants. Subtle cocoa notes and well-integrated oak contribute depth to the wine, resulting in a memorable tasting experience.

Best For Steak

Decibel Wines Hawke’s Bay Malbec

  • Rating: 9/10

Though often paired with lamb, we believe this medium-to-full-bodied Malbec from Gimblett Gravels in Hawkes Bay would also complement steak beautifully. Its aroma profile combines cranberry and cherry tart notes with vanillin oak and earthy spices like cumin, bay, cloves and mint.

Decibel Wines Hawke’s Bay Malbec

This New Zealand Malbec stands out for its well-balanced flavor profile and rich, deep purple hue. What makes it particularly appealing is its excellent aging potential. The wine's characteristics also makes it an ideal choice for the perfect steak pairing.

Best Sweet

Taylor New York Port Red Wine

  • Rating: 8/10

A standout among fortified wines, this ruby red port offers a delightful experience for evening enjoyment. Its velvety texture and balanced sweetness make it an excellent choice for sipping after dinner. Pair it with your preferred dessert to enhance the flavors of both the wine and the treat.

Taylor New York Port Red Wine

Taylor Port's dessert wine blends luxury with affordability, offering a daily indulgence. Their Port, a ruby-red gem, delivers rich flavors with balanced sweetness.

Best Woody

Somerston Merlot 2014

  • Rating: 8.5/10

This Merlot from Somerston is a truly remarkable wine. It greets the palate with lively notes of ripe red cherries and juicy plums, complemented by subtle hints of aromatic spices, refreshing menthol, and sweet licorice. What sets this wine apart is its ability to harness the characteristic brightness of the vintage, adding an invigorating lift to the intense fruit flavors.

Somerston Merlot 2014

This California merlot boasts a Cabernet-like complexity, enticing the senses from the first encounter. On the palate, years of careful aging bring about a luxurious, velvety texture that speaks to its superior craftsmanship. The tasting experience concludes with a crisp, mildly acidic finish.

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