Bota Box Nighthawak Black

Nighthawak Black is a California red blend from BOTA BOX, bottled at 13.5% alcohol. That moderate strength, along with the California designation, points to a ripe, fruit-forward style rather than a heavy, high-alcohol one. The details we have don't name the grapes or the vintage. Red blends from the state are usually built on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel or Petite Sirah, so expect dark fruit as the core of the wine. On the palate, styles like this usually lean toward blackberry, black cherry and plum, with a hint of vanilla or baking spice if oak was used. Expect medium to full body, soft to moderate tannins and enough acidity to keep the fruit from feeling heavy. The finish is typically smooth and medium in length. Serve it slightly below room temperature, around 60 to 65°F (16 to 18°C). If it's served too warm, the alcohol and sweetness of the fruit tend to stand out. Twenty minutes in the fridge before opening gets a bottle to that range. Decanting isn't necessary, but pouring it into a glass and letting it sit for ten to fifteen minutes can soften any initial tightness. A standard red wine glass with a wide bowl gives the dark fruit room to open up. At the table, a wine with this profile works with grilled burgers, barbecue ribs, sausages, pepperoni or mushroom pizza, and baked pasta with a tomato-meat sauce. Its fruit also stands up to aged cheddar, smoked Gouda and roasted vegetables. Cured meats and hard cheeses make an easy pairing for a casual cheese board. This is a drink-now bottle. Red blends built for everyday drinking don't usually gain much from extended cellaring, and the fruit is at its freshest in the first couple of years after release. Once opened, the wine should hold its character for several days if it's recorked and kept in a cool place.