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Looking for red wines, check out these selections

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 13:49 GMT by Cleveland Jewish News
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Red Wine Round‑Up: A Guide from Cleveland Jewish News’ Wine Columnist

When the Cleveland Jewish News’ wine column is a beacon for drinkers, the “Looking for red wines? Check out these selections” piece by seasoned columnist Andrew Zashin is no exception. The article, which has become a go‑to reference for both novice oenophiles and seasoned sommelier‑fans, offers a hand‑picked roster of red wines that span terroir, style, and price. In this comprehensive review, we break down each recommendation, highlight the tasting notes, and dig into the practical details that Zashin makes accessible to anyone looking to elevate their wine repertoire.

1. The Classic: Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine: 2018 Robert Mondavi Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Price Point: $45–$55 (US)
Why Zashin recommends it: This bottle is a quintessential example of the “smooth, opulent” profile that Napa’s iconic Cabernet has earned worldwide. Zashin notes that the 2018 vintage, marked by a short but intense growing season, produced a wine with pronounced dark fruit (blackcurrant, plum) and a velvety tannic backbone. A subtle echo of oak—thanks to the 24‑month French oak barrel aging—adds a whisper of vanilla and a slight smoky undertone.

Pairing suggestion: The author pairs it with grilled ribeye, the wine’s tannins cutting through the richness of the meat while the fruit notes complement a charred crust.

Additional info: A link in the article leads to Mondavi’s official site, where readers can purchase the wine directly and view detailed tasting notes and winemaking stories from the estate’s 200‑acre vineyard.

2. Mid‑Range Maverick: Sonoma County Pinot Noir

Wine: 2020 Caymus Estate Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
Price Point: $60–$70 (US)
Why Zashin recommends it: Zashin highlights Caymus’s “layered, earth‑rich” style as a standout in a region typically dominated by Cabernet. The 2020 vintage shows a bright cherry front that settles into a sophisticated bouquet of forest floor and fresh cedar. The finishing is silky, with a hint of licorice that rounds off the palate.

Pairing suggestion: He suggests serving it alongside duck confit or mushroom risotto, where the wine’s acidity brightens the dish without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

Additional info: Readers can click through to the Caymus estate’s vineyard page to learn about their climate‑controlled fermentation tanks and their unique “Red‑Fruit” aging program. The link also offers an option to reserve a bottle for a wine club tasting.

3. Value‑Vibe: Texas Zinfandel

Wine: 2019 Bobby Peyrou Winery Zinfandel (Texas Hill Country)
Price Point: $18–$22 (US)
Why Zashin recommends it: This entry-level Zinfandel is a crowd‑pleaser with a “full body, fruit‑forward” character that won’t break the bank. The 2019 vintage is described as having ripe blackberry, a touch of pepper, and a surprisingly long finish. Zashin points out that Texas’s hotter climate gives Zinfandels a unique “sweet heat” that contrasts nicely with their natural tannins.

Pairing suggestion: He pairs the wine with spicy Mexican tacos or a hearty chili—its sweetness tempers the heat while its fruit depth complements the dish’s spices.

Additional info: The article includes a link to Bobby Peyrou’s wine club, which offers seasonal tasting events and educational webinars about Texas’s burgeoning wine scene.

4. Elegant Alternative: Burgundy‑Style Gamay

Wine: 2021 Miller Rothwell Gamay (Burgundy‑style, Oregon)
Price Point: $25–$30 (US)
Why Zashin recommends it: Though Gamay is often associated with Beaujolais, this Oregon‑produced bottle delivers a “fresh, floral” profile that rivals the most celebrated French Gamay. The 2021 vintage, characterized by a brisk spring, yields a wine with bright red currant, rose petal, and a faint mineral finish. The author stresses its approachable acidity, making it a good starter for those new to lighter reds.

Pairing suggestion: Zashin recommends it with grilled salmon, as the wine’s acidity cuts through the fish’s oil, and its floral notes add a subtle complement to dill or lemon zest.

Additional info: Readers can follow a link to the Miller Rothwell website to explore their “Sustainability Practices” page, where the winemaker outlines their organic soil management and low‑impact irrigation techniques.

5. Boutique Highlight: French “Bordeaux‑Blend” from the Loire Valley

Wine: 2018 Château La Cote (Loire Valley, France)
Price Point: $55–$65 (US)
Why Zashin recommends it: This less‑known French “Bordeaux‑blend” stands out for its complex layers. Zashin describes the 2018 vintage as a “mature, savory” wine that showcases Merlot’s plushness, Cabernet Franc’s herbal spice, and a hint of Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure. The finish is lingering, with notes of tobacco, leather, and a subtle green pepper undertone.

Pairing suggestion: He recommends pairing it with slow‑roasted pork belly or a beef bourguignon—its savory profile amplifies the meat’s depth while the wine’s tannins balance the dish’s richness.

Additional info: The article contains a link to Château La Cote’s French‑only website, where a virtual tasting room and a detailed winemaking history are available in both French and English.

How Andrew Zashin Curates His Picks

Throughout the article, Zashin stresses that his selections aren’t purely based on price or brand prestige. Instead, he focuses on:

1. Terroir‑driven flavor profiles – ensuring each wine showcases its region’s unique soil and climate influences.
2. Winemaking philosophy – giving preference to producers who prioritize sustainable practices and low‑intervention techniques.
3. Pairing versatility – highlighting how each wine complements a variety of dishes, from hearty American stews to elegant European classics.
4. Accessibility – including wines that can be found at local grocery stores, specialty wine shops, or even directly online.

The column ends with a gentle nudge to readers: “Whether you’re sipping at home, hosting a dinner party, or attending a wedding, these reds will elevate any occasion.” The accompanying links allow readers to purchase the wines or learn more about the vineyards, ensuring the article is both informative and actionable.

Takeaway for Wine Enthusiasts

Zashin’s piece serves as a masterclass in red wine selection. By blending clear tasting notes, thoughtful pairings, and links to each producer’s deeper resources, the article transforms a simple shopping list into an educational journey. For anyone in the Cleveland area or beyond, this guide is an excellent starting point to expand a wine collection while understanding the stories behind each bottle.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, the “Looking for red wines? Check out these selections” column is a valuable resource—one that invites you to explore, taste, and ultimately enjoy the diverse world of red wine.