Big Red Roundup: 3 Bold, Manly Reds You Should Be Drinking Right Now

Most guys don’t think of wine as a go-to drink for a backyard barbecue. Or even for a steak dinner, for that matter. Contrary to what you may think, not every party calls for either cocktails or beer. And wine, with it’s seemingly endless number of choices, can make the perfect companion for whatever you’re enjoying.

Take the following three reds for example. Each is big enough, and bold enough, to stand up to the most heavily seasoned, flame-charred meat. And with two of them under $15, none will break the bank. Making them a great choice for serving at your next barbecue. (And I’ve included the winemaker’s own tasting notes, for throwing around at dinner.)

APOTHIC RED 2009 CALIFORNIA WINEMAKER’S BLEND

I brought bottles of this blend of spicy Zinfandel with smooth Merlot and lush, dark Syrah (yeah, it’s a wine article, so expect a lot of adjectives), to several parties over the holidays, and at every single one, it was the first bottle drained. Apothic Red has that rare combination of smooth drinkability she’ll love, with that full, richness you’ll want when you’re carving into that steak. And it’s quickly become one my favorite go-to bottles.

Winemaker’s Own Tasting Notes:
“The 2009 Apothic Red reveals intense fruit aromas and flavors of rhubarb and black cherry that are complemented by hints of mocha and vanilla. The plush, velvety mouthfeel and smooth finish round out this intriguing, full-bodied red blend.”

Price: $14
Apothic.com

SLEDGEHAMMER 2007 CABERNET SAUVIGNON

When you’re looking for a big and bold wine to pair with the heartiest foods, turn to Sledgehammer. Described by the winemaker as “wines so big and rich we have a hard time fitting them in the bottle” these reds, available in Cab and Zinfandel (red zin, not that pink stuff your college girlfriend drank), were created to appeal to men who are newly interested in wine, no sipping, no swirling allowed. And Sledgehammer is also the Official Wine of The Adam Carolla Show.

Winemaker’s Own Tasting Notes:
The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon: “This is what happens when you take a sledgehammer to Cabernet grapes: deep red color, a rich full-bodied structure and explosive flavor that packs a powerful punch to the palette.”

The 2007 Zinfandel: “Dark, ripe fruit and surprising complexity make it wise beyond its years. When you take a sledgehammer to Zin grapes, you get intensely ripe and complex flavor that’s a hammer blow to your taste buds.”

Price: $14.99
SledgehammerWine.com

LOUIS M. MARTINI 2007 NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Looking to add some class to your next party, but don’t want to go dainty? Invite Louis. This Napa Valley Cab may look like a high-fallutin (that’s a real wine term), euro-grape vintage you have to drink with your pinky out, but this full, rich red isn’t your hairdresser’s wine. Don’t let the label fool you: this isn’t the Louis who grooms your girl’s teacup poodle, he’s the Louis who shows up at your door when you owe his guy money. They’re so intent on keeping all the flavor intact, they de-stem the grapes instead of crushing them. This is the bottle you can bring to her party so they’ll be impressed, while you get to enjoy something bold.

Winemaker’s Own Tasting Notes:
“The Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a deep garnet color with intense aromas of ripe cherry, cedar, and pipe tobacco. Concentrated flavors of ripe plums and dark bing cherries marry perfectly with the oak nuances, imparting notes of brown spice and vanilla. This is a well structured wine that is balanced with firm, velvety tannins which culminate in a long, elegant finish with hints of tobacco, dried herbs and fruit.”

Price: $29.99
LouisMartini.com