Red wines from the USA

Pure, exuberant Pinot, aged in oak for fourteen months, with twenty per cent of the barrels new French oak. Its initial aromas are reminiscent of raspberry and cloves, followed by a mid-weight palate of racy acidity with juicy pomegranate freshness, rich, silky flavours, black cola aromas and a hint of spice on the nose.

There's attractive, lingering structure and full flavours of cherry and plum all the way through to the pleasing finish of this food-friendly wine, which has body enough to be able to stand up to a variety of rich foods.

The Cycles Gladiator range enjoyed an enormous boost to publicity when its wines were banned in the US state of Alabama. The image of a naked cyclist on the label, inspired by a French advertisement from the early years of the twentieth century, was considered an affront to public decency. The winery, unsurprisingly, made what it could of the unforeseen exposure.

Deep ruby, this wonderfully expressive Cabernet displays inviting aromas of plum, cassis, clove and cedar. On the palate it is lush and textured, with dense berry, nutmeg, and espresso flavours. Lovely dusty tannins, and a long, savoury finish. A real treat.

True to its ranch roots (it used to be a cattle and horse farm), Smith & Hook makes a stellar match for red meat. Pair it with an elegant prime rib with rosemary jus, five-spice grilled lamb, or red wine-braised short ribs with herbed polenta.

Hahn Estates released the first vintage of its signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Smith & Hook, to high acclaim in 1980.

Its vineyards are located in the Central Coast AVA, a large Californian 'appellation' running from Santa Barbara in the south to the San Francisco Bay in the north. The AVA is mostly planted with Chardonnay, but Bordeaux's red grapes are important too.

Full-bodied Californian 'Meritage' (Bordeaux blend) aged in 55% new French oak. Bold but approachable, with rich flavours of dark berries, mocha, and pepper.

The complex, deep flavours pair well with robust meats and hearty pasta dishes. Try it with beef tenderloin and grilled vegetables, rabbit ragout, or a homemade burger with onions sautéed in a splash of the wine!

The Cycles range was at one time banned in the US state of Alabama because of the perceived affront to public morals caused by the early 20th century poster used on its labels. The resulting publicity gave the wines a welcome boost internationally and at home, and the return of the winery to the control of original winemaker Adam Lazarre has also seen the revival of a more authentically flamboyant presentation.

Aged in new French oak, this rich Californian red is supple and juicy, with flavors of ripe berries, clove, and cola.

Approachable and easy going enough to drink on its own, Cycles Merlot would also be a great match for, say, beef teriyaki or lamb kebabs.

The Cycles range was famously banned in the US state of Alabama because of the perceived offence to public morals caused by its label, which is based on a French poster from the early 1900s.

This unctuous wine has a deep garnet colour and dark cherry fruit aromas on the nose. Earthy herbal flavours and silky texture make it a great match for duck or roast chicken.

Gold Medal : San Francisco International Wine Competition

Hahn Estates produces a range of wines from five vineyards located in the Santa Lucia Highlands and Monterey County appellations.

A superior Pinot Noir with bright, spicy red fruit flavours that fill and last in the mouth. Aged in small French oak barrels to show off the best of Santa Lucia Highlands fruit.

‘Tart and candied berry aromas meet with tangy pomegranate and hibiscus on the nose. The palate combines more cranberry and pomegranate flavors with dried herbs, all framed by energetic acidity and firm tannins.’
91/100 Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast, May 2019

‘Translucent red. Spice-tinged aromas of fresh red berries and cherries are complemented by incense, vanilla and cola accents. Clean and racy on entry, then deeper in the middle, offering cherry cola, raspberry and spicecake flavors and a touch of florality on the back half. Subtle tannins come up slowly on a smooth, fruit-driven finish that lingers with very good persistence.’
90/100, Josh Raynolds, Vinous, November 2019

The Lucienne series of wines seek to emulate the subtle variations of Burgundy by allowing very specific areas of land in California's Santa Lucia Highlands to express themselves in the wine.

This Smith Vineyards Pinot Noir has lively, bright fruit, introduced by cherry and strawberry aromas with toasty oak character.

The palate similarly balances fresh red fruit with spicy notes, but there are also darker bramble flavours and hints of earth and leather.

It's a silky, juicy wine that is easy to like and enjoy, and comes from a production of just sixteen hundred cases.

‘Rich color hints at the boldness of this full-bodied Pinot Noir. Warm aromas of toasty oak fill the glass and lead to a well-structured weight on the palate. Densely delicious, earthy flavors mingle with notes of cherry and red plum while a backdrop of sweet spices including clove and coriander adds complexity. The strong finish lingers on the palate nicely’.

‘This Pinot Noir lends itself to several seafood preparations due to its soft tannins and excellent acidity. Salmon is a classic pairing, though other good combinations are wild mushroom risotto, ragù, almost any light smoked meat or chicken roasted with winter root vegetables.’