Put Your Feet Up and Relax with Wines from the West Coast this May

This May, we’re looking forward to not one, but three bank holidays. These long weekends are the perfect time to dust down the patio furniture, fire up the barbecue, and relax with friends and family over some wonderful food. And what better to have on hand than a few bottles of your favourite Californian wine?

Few wine regions in the world evoke images of relaxing in the sunshine more than the Golden State. With such a wide range of wines available throughout the UK, why not let Californian wines help you enjoy that early summer feeling this May.

Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon

RRP £8.50, available from retailers nationwide

Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold red wine with notes of plum, a hint of oak and a smooth finish that pairs exceptionally well with chargrilled lamb skewers, grilled vegetables or spicy potato wedges.

Carnivor Zinfandel

RRP £9.00, available from retailers nationwide

Peter Morrell, Editor, comments “A small fact to start, many people love the Italian red made with the Primitivo grape in Puglia. This grape is known in California as Zinfandel, and has many of the same characteristics as its European cousin. Carnivor’s Zinfandel 2020 is a big, bold red, that pours a dark ruby red. The bouquet perfectly describes this wine’s finest features, there are multiple aromas crowding for attention, dark cherry, blackberry, oak, vanilla, and even chocolate.

“In the mouth it is very smooth, and although full bodied very easy to drink. The dark fruit persists on the palate and is joined by buttery brioche with jam, peppery spices, dried fruit, and hints of wood smoke. The finish is strong with lingering tastes of caramel.

“Pair with steak and other barbequed meats. or match it with creamy Stilton cheese for a real treat.”

Clos Du Bois Chardonnay

RRP £12.50, available from Ocado

Clos du Bois Chardonnay boasts intense aromas of apple blossom, ripe pear and citrus, complemented by hints of butter and toasty oak. Enjoy a glass chilled by itself or with chicken casseroles, grilled fish, creamy pasta dishes or simply lightly tossed fresh spring vegetables.

Ravenswood Zinfandel

RRP £14.00, available from retailers nationwide

Ravenswood Lodi Zinfandel is a big red bursting with luscious flavours of blackberry and black cherry, aromas of chocolate and spice and balanced acidity. This wine is perfect with roast lamb, slow cooked pulled pork, or creamy mac & cheese.

About the producers:

Clos Du Bois

Clos du Bois wines are spectacular favourites reflecting the winery’s accessible and refined winemaking style. Working with a family of trusted growers from some of the best vineyards across California, each vintage is crafted to achieve balance, intensity, and true varietal character. Lush fruit flavours and a juicy, supple palate are the hallmarks of the Clos du Bois style.

Carnivor

Carnivor wines never compromise. For those who don’t just live life, they Devour Life, Carnivor is a sophisticated wine with bold flavours that are matched by a refined smoothness. Brooding, intense colours and complex dark fruit layers set Carnivor Zinfandel apart from the rest.

Dark Horse

Working side-by-side with 400 of California’s finest grape growers to earn the first pick of their harvest, Dark Horse brings you exceptionally crafted and well-balanced wine that overdelivers on your expectations.

Ravenswood

For over 35 years, Ravenswood has produced Zinfandels of exceptional quality and soul. Established in 1976, Ravenswood was one of the first on the scene to focus their winemaking efforts on the production of classically big and bold Zinfandel from Sonoma County and bring it to the world