19 Crimes Snoop Cali Red

Snoop Cali Red is a red blend from the 19 Crimes label, bottled at 13.5% ABV. That is moderate for a ripe, fruit-forward red, so expect a plush, rounded wine rather than a hot or heavy one. The grape mix is not listed here, so the profile below describes what red blends in this California-leaning style usually deliver. Expect dark fruit such as blackberry, plum and black cherry, a soft vanilla or toasty oak note, and a medium-to-full body with smooth, supple tannins. Acidity in this style tends to be moderate, which keeps the wine easy to drink rather than sharp or grippy, and the finish is typically medium in length with lingering fruit. At the table, a wine of this build suits flavorful, savory food. Barbecue ribs, smoked brisket, burgers with melted cheese and grilled sausages all work, as the ripe fruit matches sweet-smoky glazes and the soft tannins do not fight fatty meat. Pepperoni pizza, baked pasta with a meat sauce and aged cheddar are good everyday matches. Very spicy dishes can make the fruit taste jammy, so lean toward milder heat. Serve it at roughly 16 to 18°C, a little below warm room temperature. A short 20 minutes in the fridge before opening helps if the bottle has been stored somewhere warm. A red blend like this is built for approachability and does not need decanting, though pouring it into a decanter or simply giving the glass ten minutes can open up the fruit. A standard red wine glass with a generous bowl gives the aromas room without overstating the oak. This is a drink-now bottle. Wines positioned like this are made for immediate enjoyment, not long cellaring, so it is best opened within a couple of years of purchase while the fruit is fresh and vivid.