1. SIDURI PINOT NOIR STA. RITA HILLS
Siduri produces a number of pinot noirs by sourcing directly from vineyards up and down the West Coast. What unites them? Soft velvety tannins and big fruit flavor. The Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir is grown in sandy soil, which causes the vines to stunt in the growth process. The result is a nice pop of red fruit at the front with a long, earthy finish. The aromas are light, delicate, and floral, but there’s plenty of structure on the palate. $40; Publix
2. THE PRISONER WINE COMPANY THE PRISONER
A big, brassy red wine, The Prisoner begs to be opened by the firepit. It’s an unexpected blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Charbono, and brings layers of warmth that are perfect for cooler temps. Think cherry, leather, dark chocolate that opens up to big tannins and a smooth, luscious finish. $49; Whole Foods
3. DAOU FAMILY ESTATE’S 2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON PASO ROBLES
Two Lebanese brothers with backgrounds in engineering started DAOU Family Estates in 2007, buying up the land that is now DAOU Mountain. With an emphasis on Bordeaux varieties, their Cabernets are especially interesting. The Paso Robles Cabernet offers a burst of dark cherry up front that carries through each sip. It’s backed up with smooth but firm structure and hints of mocha at the end. $28; Midtown Corkdorks
4. BODEGAS CARO AMANCAYA RESERVE
Bodegas Caro is a combination of two famed wine families: The Catenas of Argentina and the French Domaines Barons de Rothschild (of the Lafite fame), who are producing their wines in an ancient facility in the heart of Mendoza. They focus on producing just three wines; Amancaya has been produced since 2000. The 2017 vintage is made up of a fruity Malbec with the backbone of Cabernet Sauvignon. You’ll get strawberry, vanilla, and berries on the nose, and herbs, some spices, and mocha on the palate. If you like a Bordeaux, you’ll appreciate this fruit-forward expression. $20; available at Grand Cru Wine & Spirits