Duckhorn’s stylized blend label gets at why it’s a good idea to experiment. The line has expanded over the past couple of years, but this is the original concept wine, and it’s still doing just fine. This year’s Proprietary Red Wine shows the expected depth, with complementary charred oak notes joining blackberry, pepper and fall spice. Pair this with something beefy or gamey. Contains 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 10% Zinfandel and 4% Petit Verdot.
Paraduxx, Napa Valley (California) 2013
By Rich Cook