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Best Dessert Pairings

Millefeuille cake with sugar powder and a glass of glintwine. High quality photo

Just like how a hearty meal is remiss without a bold and smooth glass of red wine, the same goes for a satisfyingly sweet dessert to end your dinner. Most of us can agree that two of the best, most delectable parts of every meal are the wine and the dessert — in fact, the perfect wine and dessert pairing can be the most memorable and delicious part of any evening. Byrd Vineyard’s rich, low tannin wines make a delicious pairing that have the right amount of acidity to pair with fruit-based desserts, the perfect degree of intensity that they will not overpower a rich dessert, and a delectable amount of subtle sweetness that complements any sugary end to a meal. 

2010 Byrd Cabernet Sauvignon 

Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its big, bold flavor profile. With complex layers, silky tannins, and subtly sweet notes of berry and cocoa, this wine is the perfect complement for a rich dessert. With such a luscious wine, it is important to remember not to pair with too delicate a dessert as to not overpower it. This full-bodied wine pairs beautifully with either rich and fruity desserts or chocolatey confections that elevate and complement the deep flavor of the wine.

Fruit

When pairing a rich Cabernet Sauvignon, create a dessert based around dark berries and fruits such as blackberries, blueberries, plums, and dark cherries. A blueberry cobbler or blackberry sorbet will delightfully complement the notes of dark fruits found in the Cabernet Sauvignon. Plus, the contrast in temperature between the wine and a chilled dessert would make an interesting and enjoyable pairing.

Another intriguing dessert pairing with Cabernet Sauvignon is anything with the delectable combination of dark chocolate and raspberry. The rich chocolate and subtly sweet raspberries create a match made in heaven on their own — but when paired with Cabernet Sauvignon, the dessert truly shines! Anything from chocolate cake with raspberry frosting to a silky chocolate raspberry mousse or even sinfully fudgy raspberry truffles would pair amazingly with our fruit-forward wine.

Chocolate

Sweet, silky chocolate pairs amazingly with the bold flavors of our luscious Cabernet Sauvignon. An intense chocolate souffle or creamy chocolate cake adorned with a heavenly mousse or fudgy ganache would certainly hold its own against full-bodied Cabernet. The classic combination of chocolate and creamy, buttery caramel would also make a delectable addition to any dessert menu, as it brings out the subtle aromas of vanilla in our red wine. A sweet and salty chocolate and salted caramel tart or gooey chocolate caramel bars would surely be luscious enough to stand up against a complex and layered red wine.

2010 Byrd Merlot 

A smooth wine with hints of red fruits and aromatics such as vanilla and cedar, our 2010 Byrd Merlot makes a delicious complement to any rich and succulent dessert. To bring out the wine’s flavors of red berries, a fruit tray filled with blackberries, red grapes, black cherries, and raspberries would be a deliciously sweet end to any meal. Fruit-based desserts such as pies, cobblers, or even chocolate-covered strawberries would also make an elegant course.

Of course, dessert wouldn’t be dessert without chocolate. Dark, rich chocolatey brownies and gooey chocolate cake beautifully complement the subtly sweet deep red wine. Since the wine has soft notes of herbs and spices, it would also pair well with a variety of chocolate-and-nut-based treats. A heavenly rich and decadent chocolate and hazelnut cheesecake, for example, would be luxuriously delicious.

A dessert that is unconventional yet amazing none-the-less, a cheese plate would make an elegant and memorable end to any meal. Fill your tray with a variety of cheeses including aged cheddar, smoky gouda, soft goat cheese, nutty Gruyere, and herbed brie — as well as some mixed nuts and fresh fruits. With so many delicious flavors going on, you won’t even miss your traditional dessert order.

There are no rules when deciding which desserts to pair with Byrd wine, so follow your heart! As a guide, red wines are typically paired with heavier, creamier, and darker desserts (so probably not a vanilla cake or white chocolate truffle), but make the meal your own and trust your instincts.

If you can’t decide between delicious dessert or a bold glass of wine to end a meal — why not opt for both? Our smooth, low tannin wines make a perfect pair with a number of decadent desserts to make a memorable and unique meal experience.

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What Makes California Unique for Winemaking?

When imagining vineyards, the rolling valleys, sloping mountains, and stunning coastline of California are sure to come to mind. After all, a whopping 90% of all American-grown wine originates from California wineries. So what makes the Golden State such a special place for winemaking? 

A history of winemaking

California’s sloping hills and lush valleys have been home to vineyards for centuries. Beginning as far back as the 1700’s, vines were planted in California’s unique terrain. In the 18th century, these grapes were planted by Missionaries and grown primarily for communion wine.  It was not until the late 1800’s that the commercial wine industry began as the Gold Rush brought an influx of settlers to California. Demand for wine soared, and wineries started popping up throughout the state. 

Today, there are over 4,000 wineries in California alone that produce over 17 million gallons of wine each year. This wine is exported all over the world to at least 142 countries. So what makes California wine special enough to be so popular all over the globe?

Diverse terrain

Sprawling from the Mayacamas Mountains all the way to the Pacific Ocean, California’s wine country is home to a wide range of terrain including rocky coasts, steep mountains, green valleys, and flat benchlands. Most notably, the rich soil of the valleys and the sunny slopes of the mountains help the Golden State achieve its delicious, high-quality wine that is appreciated all over the world.

Mountain ranges

With peaks as high as 4,700 feet above the valley floor, the Mayacamas Mountains are home to unique high altitude wines and vineyards. Due to the strong direct sunlight and greater temperature fluctuations that increase as altitudes rise, mountain-grown wine tends to be bolder in flavor, deeper in color, and higher in acidity. This special combination of more sun and lower temperatures results in elegant, well-balanced wines that are unlike any other in California.

Valleys

The sunny climate and rich soil of Napa Valley are the perfect conditions for growing grapes. The warm days and short rainy season leads to grapes that are strong in flavor and high in sugar which are made into sweet and fruit-forward wine. With uniquely perfect terroir like that in Napa Valley, it is no wonder why California is known for its wines!

A range of climates

It’s common to imagine a warm, sunny beach when imagining California, but the region has a more diverse climate than you might expect. Cool ocean breeze, foggy mountain air, and sun-soaked valleys differ greatly in terms of sunlight, temperature, and rainfall. Throughout the state, these climate differences allow for a variety of grapes to flourish. 

Cool mountain air

A distinct benefit of high-altitude vineyards is their cool mountain freshness. With crisp mountain air, rocky soil, bright sunlight, and chilly breezes come an intensity in wine color, flavor, and tannins that simply cannot be found anywhere else but the high elevation of mountainside vineyards! 

In addition to the flavorful wines grown on the mountainside having lower alcohol content and higher acidity levels, high elevation wines are also known for their complexities that result from the fluctuating climate. High altitudes mean a longer growing season since the grapes are exposed to more sunlight than they would be on the valley floor, resulting in bolder flavors and fuller-bodied wines as a result of the grapes having more time to ripen on the vine. 

Warm valley sun

Warm summers, mild winters, and short rainy seasons are the perfect combination for long grape-growing seasons. The grapes are able to fully develop bold and rich flavors — resulting in flavorful and smooth wine that is world-renowned!

Many types of soil

Along with a variety of climates, California is home to quite a diverse range of soil. From the well-draining, volcanic soil of the mountains to the fertile soil of the valleys, Napa alone is home to over 100 varieties of soil. This is about half of the soil types on Earth — and even more than all of France! 

The volcanic ferrous content found in the Mayacamas Mountains is incredibly fertile for growing grapes — plus, it creates a distinct flavor in the wine. In the hillsides and mountain slopes, you’ll also find sandstone and clay, which help produce more complex and fresh wines that can withstand the cooler climate at high altitudes.

Huge grape variety

The Golden State produces over 100 different types of grapes with the most popular being Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and White Zinfandel. In fact, there are almost 100,000 acres of Chardonnay planted across the state, almost 95,000 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, and over 38,000 acres of Merlot. 

In addition to native grapes, California is now home to grapes indigenous to other parts of the world including Portugal and Spain. However, Cabernet Sauvignon continues to be the most highly sought-after wine produced in the state year after year.

With such a huge variety, wine lovers are sure to find a wine that they love in California. Whether searching for something sweet and fruit-forward or a wine that is dry and rich, the hills and valleys of California will have what you crave.

Opportunity to follow your passions

Many dream of leaving behind the rat race and buying a vineyard to pursue a career in winemaking. It’s not surprising when those passions lead them to California, like it did Bruce. Universities including Sonoma State and University of California-Davis offer education programs concentrating on the wine industry, while vineyards offer unique opportunities for hands-on learning.  Bruce would not have been able to make award-winning wine without the insights and collaborations with other family-run vineyards. You can taste the passion and commitment to quality in every drop.

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What is Low Tannin Wine?

Up high in the Mayacamas Range lies California’s most unique winegrowing region, complete with high altitudes and a sunny mountain climate. This special environment lends itself to bold wines with rich flavors and low tannins. While each and every component of our wines here at Byrd Vineyard are important to the overall quality, the importance of tannins can sometimes be a source of confusion. What are tannins and what role do they play in wine tasting? How do they affect the overall taste and texture of the wine? And why does Byrd Vineyard pride itself on its low tannin red wine?

What are tannins and why are they important?

Put simply, tannins are phenolic compounds found in the wine that leave a bitter and puckery feeling in the mouth. These compounds originate inside the skin, seeds, and stems of the grapes and are carefully extracted into red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux. 

Tannins are important because the drying sensation that they provide brings texture and mouth-feel to the wine, as well as a sense of structure and balance. Without tannins, wine could taste too sweet or feel unbalanced like something is not quite right! Tannins are also the reason why red wine pairs so well with red meat — the drying sensation of the tannins pleasantly complements the rich fattiness of steak and other hearty dishes. 

Lastly, tannins are important because they define the character of the wine. By adding texture, mouth-feel, and complexity, tannins can elevate a good wine to a fantastic (and award-winning) wine.

How do they affect the taste, texture, and overall quality of the wine?

A wine expert would never describe a wine as “well-balanced” without the presence of tannins. The harmonious combination of acids, sugars, alcohol, and tannins creates a well-structured wine that is complex and enjoyable.

High tannins create wine that would be described as “dry” due to the bitter and puckering sensations that tannins are known for. On the other hand, wines with lower levels of tannins are described as round, smooth, and soft. Their velvety, pleasing texture is easy to drink and not too tannic or astringent. 

Low tannins create red wine that is neither too dry nor too sweet. Those who are not the biggest fans of bitter flavors like dark chocolate or coffee may prefer wines low in tannins, as they are more fruit-forward and less bitter.

Tannins are also high in antioxidants, or nutrients found in food that can also work to preserve wine. Antioxidants benefit both the wine (by allowing it to age gracefully) and those who drink it (by providing health benefits including improving heart health). As if you needed another reason to reach for a bottle of red wine!

Why low tannin wine?

The strength of a wine’s tannins can be a result of the climate where the grapes were grown. In our case at Byrd Vineyard, our high-altitude mountain climate creates smaller grapes that are high in acids and flavor and low in tannins. 

Low tannin red wine has a beautiful, smooth texture and is not too bitter or astringent. Byrd Vineyard’s red wines are said to be soft and smooth, as well as even-textured and round. Our complex red wines with their low tannins and high acids are structured perfectly — allowing for each sip to be well-balanced and harmonious.

Our high altitude and mountain soil work together to actually change the way that grapes are formed in comparison to other winegrowing regions. For example, our grapes have thicker skins and smaller berry sizes due to the solar intensity that comes as a result of our high altitude. Richer tannins and bolder flavor also increase with altitude. As a result of our unique terroir here at Byrd Vineyard, our low tannins wines are unlike any you’ve experienced before.

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Frequently Asked Questions & Common Wine Vocabulary Defined

When it comes to the world of wine, memorizing the countless terms and phrases can seem almost as complicated as learning a new language. Anyone from a novice wine taster to an experienced wine aficionado is sure to have a question or two when it comes to learning about our unique high altitude wines here at Byrd Vineyard. That’s why we created this handy wine term glossary and FAQ guide — so that you can be as informed as possible when discovering what makes Byrd Vineyard’s wines so special! 

Vineyard vocabulary

Words like “high altitude wine” and “volcanic ferrous content” are used to describe our wines, but what do these terms really mean? How do they contribute to differentiating our wines from the many others produced throughout California?

What is High Altitude Wine and what makes it so special? 

High altitude wine is grown in vineyards at high elevation such as the 2,400-foot mountains of the Mayacamas Range where Byrd Vineyard is located. High elevation creates a desired combination of increased solar rays, greater temperature fluctuation, optimal rocky soil, and crisp mountain freshness that results in wine with an intensity of color, flavor, and tannins. 

What is Terroir and how would you describe Byrd Vineyard’s?

Terroir is used to describe geographical characteristics unique to a given vineyard. These characteristics such as the region’s climate, soil, and terrain greatly affect the taste of the wine and can result in unique wine unlike any other. Additionally, altitude is an important factor in the vineyard’s expression of terroir. The high altitude terrain of Byrd Vineyard results in high quality wine high in antioxidants and concentrated with flavor.

What is Vintage and why is it important?

A wine’s vintage is the year that its grapes were harvested. The wine’s vintage can dramatically affect its taste and quality due to the change in weather during the growing season of that particular year. Years with plenty of sunny days lead to flavorful grapes that reach optimal ripeness, resulting in delicious and fruit-forward wine.

What is Volcanic Ferrous Content and how does it affect the wine?

Soil high in volcanic ferrous content results in fine and distinctive wines. Volcanic soil is high in minerals and often results in small grapes concentrated with flavor and high in acid.

Wine making process vocabulary

The wine-making process can seem overwhelmingly complicated when first learning about its many nuances and steps. These basic terms describe some of the most important steps of the wine making process.

What is Aeration and why is it important?

Aeration is the addition of oxygen to wine in order to round out and soften a wine. Giving the wine a chance to “breathe” changes the flavor of the wine and allows for a smooth sipping experience.

What is Aging and why it is important?

Aging wine refers to holding wine in barrels or bottles to advance their flavors and textures to a more desirable state. 

What is Extraction and how does it affect the wine?

Extraction is a process for making red wine that involves extracting phenolic compounds such as flavors, tannins, and color. The longer and more aggressive the extraction, the stronger and more robust the wine.

Wine tasting vocabulary

There are a multitude of ways to describe all aspects of wine, from its flavor to its texture and even its health properties such as antioxidants. To get a better sense of what these terms really mean, take a look at these wine tasting vocabulary words!

What is Acidity and why is high acidity good?

Acidity is the perceived level of crispness or sharpness of wine. A wine needs high levels of acid in order to provide liveliness and balance. 

What is Alcohol Content and how does it affect a wine’s body?

Alcohol content is the amount of ethanol in a given volume of liquid. Alcohol content affects the flavor of a wine by changing the flavor harmony, body, and even perceived taste. 

What are Antioxidants and what are their benefits?

Antioxidants, or polyphenols, are compounds found in red wine. Antioxidants have been found to have many health benefits including improving heart health. 

What is a wine’s Aroma and what are some examples?

The aroma is the smell of the wine. The aroma can be floral, citrus, fruity, herbaceous, vegetal, earthy, or a number of other scents.

What does it mean for a wine to be Balanced?

Balance refers to when the elements of wine including acids, sugars, tannins, and alcohol come together in a pleasing and harmonious way.

What does it mean when a wine is described as Bright?

A bright wine refers to lively, fresh-tasting wines that make your mouth water with focused flavor. 

What does it mean when a wine is described as Complex?

A complex wine has many layers to it and exhibits numerous odors, nuances, and flavors. The flavor of complex wine can change from the moment you taste it to the moment you swallow it. Complex wine is said to have depth. 

What does it mean when a wine is described as Dry?

Dry wine refers to a taste sensation attributed to tannins that causes puckering in the mouth. Dry wine is a result of all of the grape’s sugars being converted to alcohol. Dry wine is the opposite of sweet wine, which still has residual sugars left from the grapes.

What does it mean when a wine is described as Earthy?

Earthy wine refers to an odor or flavor reminiscent of the earth, soil, or even mushrooms. 

What is a wine’s Finish and why is it important?

A wine’s finish refers to the lingering flavors or textures that remain in your mouth after swallowing wine. Finish is an important aspect to pay attention to when judging quality wine, as a long finish is often a sign of quality. 

What are Flavonoids and what do they contribute to a wine?

Flavonoids are nutrients found in fruits and vegetables that provide health benefits as well as vivid color to fruits such as grapes. Flavonoids contribute to the flavor and mouthfeel of wine. 

What does it mean when a wine is described as Full-bodied?

Full-bodied wine refers to wine that is high in both alcohol and flavor. Most full-bodied wines are red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Bordeaux. Full-bodied wines have complex flavors and a rich mouthfeel.

What does it mean when a wine is described as Herbaceous?

Herbaceous wine refers to odors or flavors of fresh herbs such as oregano, rosemary, or basil. Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine variety that is commonly positively described as herbaceous.

What is Length when describing a wine?

Length is used to describe the amount of time that the wine’s taste stays in your mouth after swallowing. The longer the lingering sensation, the higher quality the wine.

What is Mouth-feel when describing a wine?

Mouth-feel is used to describe how a wine feels on your palate. Mouth-feel can be rough, silky, smooth, or velvety. Mouth-feel is influenced by factors including alcohol, acidity, and tannins.

What does it mean when a wine is described as Oaky?

Oaky wine refers to aromas and flavors of vanilla, baking spices, coconut, and mocha that come from aging the wine in oak barrels.

What are Phenolic Compounds and what do they contribute to the wine?

Phenolic compounds are natural compounds found in the skins and seeds of grapes. These compounds affect the taste, color, and mouth-feel of the wine.

What does it mean when a wine is described as Round or Smooth?

When wine is described as round or smooth, it describes a wine that has soft tannins and a pleasing texture. Round and smooth wines are velvety and easy to drink and they are not coarse or tannic. 

What is a wine’s Structure?

Structure is a tasting term that refers to harmony of fruit, alcohol, tannins, and acidity. A well-structured wine is also well-balanced.

What does it mean when a wine is described as Sweet?

Sweet is a tasting term referring to perceptible flavors and odors of sugar in the wine. Sweet wine is the opposite of dry wine.

What are Tannins and why are they important? What are soft tannins/low tannins?

Tannins are phenolic compounds in the wine that leave a bitter, dry, puckery feeling in the mouth. Tannins are important because they provide texture and mouth-feel to the wine, as well as a sense of structure and balance. Soft tannins are no longer astringent and result in smooth wine. Low tannin red wines are even-textured and round.

 

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Wine Pairings for Cold Winter Nights

Young couple have romantic dinner with wine over fireplace background.

Nothing compares to the cozy feeling of burrowing under a blanket by a roaring fireplace on the coldest and darkest of winter nights. The coziness level increases exponentially when you have your favorite movie playing in the background, a hearty home-cooked meal in front of you, and a glass of red wine in-hand. 

To make the most of your cold-weather red wine, be sure to serve alongside rich and meaty dishes that can fully bring out their bold flavors. Without further ado, grab some blankets and candles and get cozy — here are Byrd Vineyard’s wine pairings for cold winter nights.

2010 Byrd Merlot

A smooth wine with hints of red fruits and a long finish, our Merlot pairs beautifully with any hearty meal. Its soft tannins, fruit-forward flavors, and round body make this wine incredibly versatile. In fact, it would pair wonderfully with anything from chicken to red meat.

On a cold winter night, nothing beats a slow-cooked meal in the crockpot. Slow-cooker tacos with tender lamb, pork, or chicken would pair beautifully with a Merlot. Similarly, a white bean chili with chicken is as comforting on a chilly winter night as it is easy to throw together. Ladle into a bowl, light some candles, and pour a glass of Byrd Merlot — and you’ve got yourself an easy and cozy dinner.

Merlot also pairs amazingly with tomato-based Italian dishes. Its subtly sweet flavors bring out the richness in the sauce in dishes such as lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, and chicken parmesan. Mellow Merlot also complements the umami flavors of mushrooms and creamy sauces. A wonderful dish to pair it with would be a creamy parmesan pasta with chicken and mushrooms or even a macaroni and cheese.

A cold night is a perfect night for some good-old-fashioned comfort food. A homemade pizza, chicken pot pie, or classic tomato soup and grilled cheese combo would taste amazing when paired with a glass of Byrd Merlot. The meal doesn’t have to be fancy or over-the-top to be delicious and comforting! Since our Merlot is so flexible and pairs well with practically any dish, follow your heart and pair with any comfort food you desire.

2010 Byrd Vineyard Mendocino Merlot

2010 Byrd Vineyard Mendocino Merlot

On the nose, vanilla and blackberry lead, and the palate follows with berry pie and ripe plum. The mouthfeel is refreshing, gentle even, and the tannins have softened considerably. Enjoy a medium to long finish that is silky.

$45.00 – $486.00
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2009 Byrd Cabernet Sauvignon

Big, bold Cabernet Sauvignon is a fan-favorite for a cold winter evening meal. With notes of vanilla, tobacco, and warm spices, it is the ultimate cozy winter wine. Just add snow-covered treetops outside, a crackling fireplace inside, and a hearty, meat-based dinner.

Layered and complex, Cabernet Sauvignon pairs extremely well with rich, creamy, and meaty dishes — the meatier the better. Whether a ribeye, sirloin, beef tenderloin, or roast beef, any cut of steak would be perfectly complemented by a savory Cabernet Sauvignon. Brisket, pot roast, or braised short ribs cooked in red wine are sure-fire favorites, as their luscious sauces complement the wine wonderfully. A hot bowl of beef stew would also do the trick, especially when seasoned with herby and umami flavors such as rosemary, mushrooms, and garlic. 

Don’t shy away from the classics when pairing your Cabernet Sauvignon. A classic cheeseburger is composed of the two most popular elements to pair with Cabernet Sauvignon — meat and cheese. Whether you opt to grill a classic burger or add extra-special touches such as grilled mushrooms, crumbly blue cheese, or smoky BBQ sauce, the pairing is sure to be out of this world. 

When considering side dishes, creamy mashed potatoes and garlic roasted vegetables such as carrots or brussel sprouts would be delectable selections. A creamy and rich macaroni and cheese wouldn’t hurt, either. Also, a cheese board filled with smoky gouda, herbed brie, and aged cheddar as an appetizer or for dessert would certainly pair well with the wine. On a chilly winter evening, there is no such thing as too much meat or cheese!

With aromas of red and black fruits, cocoa, and warm spices along with fine tannins, our 2009 Byrd Cabernet Sauvignon is something special to be enjoyed with friends, family, and delicious food. Grab some blankets and enjoy!

2009 Byrd Vineyard Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon

2009 Byrd Vineyard Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon

With your first sip, baking spices leap to the front – nutmeg and cardamom. Blackberries, overripe raspberries, and a touch of boysenberry create a core that holds the frame up of this generous and balanced wine. The finish lingers but does not overstay it welcome.

$45.00 – $486.00
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Holiday Wine Pairings

The holidays are quickly approaching, and we all know what that means — delicious meals and annual traditions enjoyed with family and friends. The holidays are also a fantastic opportunity to try new wines with old favorite recipes, and 2020 is the perfect year to add some new touches to old traditions by exploring different varieties of wine to pair with each course.

Holiday meals include a variety of different appetizers, entrees, and side dishes — all which can be enjoyed with deliciously bold Byrd Vineyard wines. Finding the perfect wine for your holiday dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. With Byrd Vineyard’s low tannin wines that are powerful enough to compete with the intense flavors of Christmas dinner and acidic enough to cut through the creamy and rich dishes that we dream about all year long, you have everything you need to enjoy a perfect holiday wine pairing.

2012 Byrd Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Mendocino

Fruity and bold, our Double Gold Medal-winning Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect wine to enjoy with a hearty meal and roaring fireplace on a chilly winter night. Subtly sweet and intensely succulent, this wine makes a perfect pair for any holiday dinner. 

When pairing a Cabernet Sauvignon, you can never go wrong with any red meat. Whether celebrating Christmas with a beef tenderloin, roast beef, or braised short ribs or enjoying a traditional brisket on Hanukkah, the balanced and powerful Cabernet Sauvignon is the ideal way to offset fatty red meat and bring out the best flavors in each dish. 

Cabernet Sauvignon also pairs beautifully with seasonings such as rosemary, garlic, and mint — so herb-roasted vegetables would bring out flavor intensity and depth.

2012 Byrd Vineyard Mendocino Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

2012 Byrd Vineyard Mendocino Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

This unique wine is a Double Gold Medal winner for a reason! Palate is hibiscus tea, raspberry coulis, and just a hint of tamarind paste. A potent wine that is expressive and driven by finesse. Wood notes accentuate the ripe fruits and lend the magnificent structure complexity. Truly a one-of-a-kind wine you’ve never experienced before. 

$75.00 – $699.00
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2012 Byrd Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Mendocino

With notes of warm spice and sweet vanilla, our 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon makes a perfect pairing with any appetizer, side dish, or hearty entree that your holiday dinner has in store. Bold, fruit-forward, and slightly herbaceous, our Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with heavier dishes and herby, smoky flavors. For example, the sweet glaze of a honey-baked ham would deliciously complement the wine’s notes of red and black fruits. Another great option, roasted lamb with rosemary would pair perfectly with the herbaceous notes found in the wine.

As for side dishes, heavy and creamy dishes paired with a powerful Cabernet Sauvignon result in a match made in heaven. Rich and delectable mashed potatoes — or even macaroni and cheese if your holiday dinner guests are so inclined — pair well with an acidic and intensely flavored wine that can easily cut through their creamy intensity. 

2012 Byrd Vineyard Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon

2012 Byrd Vineyard Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon

Bold and brilliant, our 2012 is bursting with classic Cabernet notes – black fruits like plum and blackberries dominate, with touches of clove and chocolate. Layered and dense, this wine is textbook Northern California Cabernet.

$65.00 – $699.00
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2012 Byrd Vineyard Red Wine Mendocino

Our smooth and complex Red Wine Mendocino would pair wonderfully with any holiday spread. Fruit-forward with earthy and mineral elements, this wine would deliciously complement any hearty main dish. Fatty beef dishes such as a tender prime rib or filet mignon perfectly soften the wine’s tannins, creating mellow and delicious flavors. 

Red wine would be remiss if not paired with an array of bold and creamy cheeses. Hard cheeses like aged cheddar or smoky gouda would work perfectly, as the fattiness of the cheese works to tame the bold wine. Soft cheeses such as blue cheese and gorgonzola also pair wonderfully with such a powerful red wine. Lastly, you’d regret it if you didn’t add some herbed cheese to your pre-dinner cheese board. Rosemary goat cheese or even truffled brie would make wonderful additions to a delicious wine and cheese pairing. 

2012 Byrd Vineyard Mendocino Red Wine

2012 Byrd Vineyard Mendocino Red Wine

Cabernet dominates in this blend, excluding left bank confidence and power. Dark red fruits are the core – currants, cherries, and tart pomegranate. Earth notes of tobacco and cedar give the wine depth, and the finish is drawn out and vibrant. The wine is simultaneously smooth and bold, and lends itself to drinking with friends or over dinner.

$65.00 – $699.00
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Cheers to you & yours!

There’s nothing like a glass of red wine to warm you up on a cold winter night, especially while surrounded by friends and family during special times like the holidays. Byrd Vineyard’s red wines make an incredible addition to any holiday meal and are best enjoyed with loved ones!

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