Wine Review: Seasonal switch coming soon

A phenomenon that announces the upcoming change of season is a sudden desire to switch from the lighter wines of the warm seasons to the heavier red wines that accompany the heavier meals of winter.

In anticipation of this momentous event, I have picked out some fine red wines that are true to their variety and character.

Sonoma-Cutrer 2019 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($35)
When they come to naming this century, I believe that that it may be called “the century of the specialist.” The factotum, that person who could do all sorts of different jobs, has been replaced by the specialist. The Sonoma-Cutrer winery has taken specialization to new heights by concentrating on the Burgundian varieties of pinot noir and chardonnay. The company’s winemakers are totally familiar with these grapes that are sometimes difficult to work with. At a time when premium pinot noir wines are selling for a king's ransom, this wine, which fits into the premium category, sells at a much more affordable price. Here we have a wine that has received 11 months in French oak barrels and displays the traditional blackberry. It’s enhanced by vanilla and just the right amount of oak before ending in a long finish. My suggestion is not to miss this wine.

Dry Creek Valley 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon ($32)
Cabernet sauvignon is probably the best known of the world's red wines. No wine has been written about, discussed and argued over more than the cabernet sauvignon. Today, American cabernet sauvignons are garnering accolades from wine lovers the world over, and the Dry Creek Valley 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect example of why. Open any book on wine and read the author's description of the perfect cabernet sauvignon, and the first taste of this wine will perfectly mirror that description. The classical flavors and aromas of black cherry, black currant, leather and espresso are well represented. There also is a hint of minerality about this wine that adds an extra layer of enjoyment. If you are a cabernet sauvignon lover or just a red wine enjoyer, this beverage should be considered a worthy addition to your list.

Sebastiani 2019 Sonoma Valley Barbera ($42)
With this wine I don my knightly armor and declare myself as “champion of Barbera wines.” While it may be inconceivable for a supposedly impartial wine columnist to have a favorite variety, as the knights of old in literature and the movies always implied, I have become enchanted by wines made from the Barbera grape. The Italian ancestry of both the Sebastiani wine making technique and the Barbera grape is loudly proclaimed and will prove itself as the perfect accompaniment to Italian foods of all kinds, including pizza. The wine presents a ruby color, a cherry and dark berry aroma, and a positive oak background with a slight and enjoyable spiciness. Barbera always has been one of Sebastiani’s keynote varieties, and the first taste of this offering will show why.

Montecucco 2016 Sangiovese Riserva ($24)
It would be unfair of me not to include an Italian sangiovese wine in this cold weather red wine suggestion list. The sangiovese grape is the same grape variety that is used to make the famous Italian chianti wine. In this wine, however, the flavors and aromas are presented with greater intensity, depth and finesse. The wine opens with the aromas of raspberries and cranberries and is followed by a medley of dark berry flavors and oak, along with an interesting under-flavor of toasted almonds. This all carries over to the finish, which is memorable.

Wine columnist Bennet Bodenstein can be reached at frojhe1@att.net.