Wine of the Week: Interesting Red Blends

Red-wine blends are akin to a coffee roaster's espresso blend, as it's a formula that is unique and carefully thought through. By merging grapes, sometimes from different terroirs (vineyards), complex layers are introduced. To the winemaker, it's an opportunity to demonstrate his or her craft and talent in mixing flavors for a really great mouthfeel. Lots of experimentation, lab time and sipping trials go into creating the perfect blend.

After the jump, find seven red blends we've recently tried and have no hesitations recommending.
Insatiable Red Wine, California ($10)
Black-cherry flavors are at the heart of this elegant wine, which is velvety and spicy all at once. According to the winery, several different vintages of wine are matched, and the grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera, Zinfandel, Syrah and Nebbiolo.

2008 Maryhill Winery Winemaker's Red Blend, Columbia Valley (Washington) ($14)
An herbaceous, black-pepper nose is followed by cherry and boysenberry notes, and a smooth finish against an oaky structure. Our hunch is that this would make a fantastic pizza wine. This wine contains Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

2006 St. Francis Winery "Red," Sonoma County ($12)
At least five different grape varietals are mingled to produce this intense, vibrant wine: Cabernet Sauvignon (28%); Syrah (15%); Merlot (8%); Zinfandel (3%); and the remaining 6 percent is a mix of Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Alicante and Malbec. There are ripe cherry notes throughout and a slightly tannic finish.

2007 Blackstone Winery Sonoma Reserve "Rubric" ($23)
Combining 55 percent Cabernet Sauvignon with these grapes – Malbec, 14 percent; Cabernet France, 8 percent; Petit Verdot, 8 percent; Tannat, 7 percent; Merlot, 5 percent; and Petite Sirah, 3 percent -- produces a wine with dark, dark fruits (namely blackberries) and very complex layers, finishing with firm tannins. Its nose is interesting, a combination of dried herbs and tobacco, with the sweet aromas of cherries, too.

2007 Rocca Family Winery "Bad Boy Red" Red Wine, Yountville, Napa Valley ($32)
This juicy, fruit-forward (mostly raspberry notes) wine with a peppery finish and a nose of spring flowers would pair well with just about any food. For this vintage, a Bordeaux blend of 40 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 33 percent Cabernet Franc, 17 percent Merlot and 10 percent Petit Verdot was carefully selected from a cool-climate vineyard and a sun-drenched vineyard, both belonging to the winery.

2007 L'Aventure "Optimus," Paso Robles ($45)
The following grapes are in this extremely balanced wine: 45 percent Syrah, 40 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 15 percent Petit Verdot. The result is a pleasant, light-bodied wine marked by notes of blueberries and black currant, preceded by a nose of fir and candied currants.

2007 Robert Mondavi Private Selection "Meritage," California ($10)
A very fragrant nose of blackberries and dark plums starts this rich wine, which has a delicate finish. Mid-palate there is a rush of fruit, with the grapes (mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with some Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc) sourced from vineyards in Monterey County, Santa Barbara County, the North Coast and San Benito County.