Top 5 Red Wines to Sip this Summer and into the Fall

Red wine and grilling go hand-in-hand. During the summer, I love to sit outside with meat on the grill and pour something tasty.  You can even sip these into the fall.  Here are some of my favorite reds to try:

Bonterra Organic Vineyards’ Young Red: The 2017 Young Red (SRP $16; available nationwide) is a Grenache-based, ruby-hued wine that is a lighter take on the summertime barbeque red wine. The wine blossoms with aromas of red roses, fresh fig, red berries and orange peel, giving way to a lively palate of raspberries, watermelon rind and pomegranate. With a touch of Malbec for added character, the bright acidity and light profile of the Young Red make it ideally served chilled, a refreshing step away from the cooled, or even frozen, rosés of the season. Enjoy!

The 2016 Boom Boom! Syrah (SRP $17.99; available nationwide) first exploded on the wine industry in 2007, and this spicy Syrah has been one of Washington State’s signature wines ever since. It’s a tribute to Charles’ first love lost—a woman nicknamed “Boom Boom” O’Brien—and it’s one of the biggest and boldest Syrahs of all time. It’s not surprising that wine drinkers everywhere have fallen in love with it.

When Hollywood’s surprise hit Sideways suddenly spawned anti-Merlot sentiments everywhere, Charles set out to rebuff the movie’s unflattering depiction of this great varietal. One sip of this bold, sultry creation and you’ll know he succeeded at making Merlot sexy again with the 2016 Velvet Devil Merlot (SRP $12.99; available nationwide).

Tenshen Red 2016: tenshən is a play on words that nods to the winemaking acumen and the tension that occurs when harvesting. tenshən’s thought provoking Rhône blends are tenacious and alluring. The reds exhibit brooding dark fruit that is accented by Santa Barbara spice and completed by a mouthwatering finish. 

Ravage Cabernet Sauvignon 2016:  There’s nothing that embodies summertime more than throwing on an apron, firing up the grill and toasting to a work-free afternoon. While everyone loves a backyard burger, the art of grilling rarely gets its due respect, perhaps because few people know all that goes into making it really sizzle. Grilling isn't complete without wine.  Ravage Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ($12.99; available nationwide), a robust and flavorful red from California, is both rich and easily indulgent – the perfect match for big flavors from the grill. Whether making flavorful steak tacos or opting for equally as delicious lamb shoulder pitas, the smooth, fruit forward Cabernet Sauvignon enhances the flavors of any sizzling-hot meal.  Cheers!