2021 Alicante Bouschet, St. Jorge, Lodi $45

This mammoth wine shows a deep, densely opaque color, exuding aromas of box of chocolates, while packing tannins and minerality, and black plums through the richly textured finish. Alicante is a teinturier (a grape with red flesh) one of a few belonging to the vitis vinifera family. Alicante is famous for its role during Prohibition winemaking—its thick skins were resistant to rot while transported to East Coast bootleggers and its intense red color could be diluted without losing pigmentation. Pair with barbecued beef ribs, grilled hanger steak, Moroccan couscous, lamb, venison or any gamey, savory dishes or stews.