Steelhead Vineyards North Coast Red – A Keeper

The Steelhead Vineyards North Coast Red, a berry bomb of a red blend.

43% Zinfandel, 22% Syrah, 13% Carignane, 9% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petite Sirah from North Coast, California. The wine is aged for 12 months in a combination of new and used French oak barrels.

The Steelhead Vineyards North Coast Red has an SRP of $15 and is available for as low as $10. 2,000 cases produced. Sample submitted for review.

From the bottle:

Better Wine. Better World.

Structured with aromas and flavors of juicy blackberry and dark cherry with touches of spice and pepper and a rich, balanced finish.

Pair with rich cheese, pizza, tomato-based pastas, grilled meats and barbecue.

Classic winemaking techniques using both open and closed tank fermentation for optimal color and flavor. Wine is aged for 12 months in new and used French oak barrels for rounder tannins.

Steelhead Vineyards has two goals: to create outstanding wine and to help maintain and restore the environment. We partner with vineyards across California’s pristine North Coast to craft wines of beautiful balance and depth. We are dedicated to water conservation and support projects through Trout Unlimited donating a portion of sales to fund the restoration of Steelhead habitats.

13.5% Alcohol

The 2013 Steelhead Vineyards North Coast Red opens with a berry bomb of aromas (blackberry, raspberry, plum and black cherry) along with hints of vanilla and licorice. The wine tastes similar to the nose with plenty of oak notes adding character. The berry fruit is darker and tarter in the mouth. It’s a bit on the sweet side but that should aid its popularity these days. It ends dry, dusty, long and smooth with fine tannins rounding things out. There are a lot of different grape varieties packed into this bottle (6 to be exact) that all combine wonderfully to make a very drinkable wine with lots of mass appeal.

Looking for more great red blends under $20? Find all of our recommendations, plus more tips on finding great value, right here.

See a listing of local retailers selling the Steelhead Vineyards North Coast Red here.