There are many different types of red wine, each with its own distinct flavor and characteristics. When it comes to choosing a red wine, it’s important to consider what you’ll be pairing it with.
Many people prefer reds over whites, but even then, there’s a special group of people that just can’t seem to get their wine strong enough. Like coffee – the stronger the better.
If you’re a fan of strong red wine, there are certain brands you may want to look into.
Top Strong Red Wine Brands
- Clonakilla
- Domaine du Vieux
- Château Haut-Brion
- Klinker Brick
- Tablas Creek
- Follin Cellars
- Cayuse Bionic Frog
- Craiglee
- Soter Vineyards
- Mount Pleasant
- Penfolds
1. Clonakilla Shiraz-Viognier 2013
Hailing from Australia, this wine is a great example of a Shiraz-Viognier blend. It’s intense and full-bodied, with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and pepper. The Clonakilla Shiraz-Viognier is a great choice for red meat and hearty dishes.
While this vintage is about 10 years old now, it’s even better with age. Australia is known for its big and bold Shiraz varietals, and this wine fits the bill perfectly. Even as a young wine, it tasted as if it had already been aged for 15 years.
Blending Viognier quells the spice a bit and adds violet and red fruit characteristics. The texture is fine with balanced acidity and velvety tannins. A complex finish is surprising for its age and it will continue to age well for the next 10 years or so.
2. Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe 2012
This French wine is made from 100% organic grapes, and is full of flavor. It’s intense and tannic, with aromas of blackberry, cherry, and chocolate. The Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe is a great choice for red meat, game, and rich dishes.
This vintage is still young, but it’s drinking well now. Decanting for an hour or so before serving will help to soften the tannins.
The grapes for this wine come from the La Crau vineyard, which is known for its limestone soil. This terroir gives the wine its minerality and freshness.
The fruit is well-balanced with acidity, and the tannins are ripe and round. The finish is long and persistent.
3. Château Haut-Brion 2009
This Bordeaux wine is made from a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc grapes. It’s full-bodied and tannic, with flavors of dark fruit, cedar, and tobacco.
Château Haut-Brion produces delightfully tannic wines of all kinds, but this vintage is particularly well-structured.
The grapes used in this wine come from the Graves vineyards, which are known for their gravel soils. This terroir gives the wine similar minerality and freshness to the Domaine du Vieux Télégraph.
However, Château Haut-Brion is much more well-known. It’s collectible and very expensive.
4. Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel 2013
This California wine is made from 100% Zinfandel grapes. It’s full-bodied and fruity, with flavors of blackberry, plum, and pepper. The Kinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel is a great choice for red meat, BBQ, and spicy dishes.
The grapes for this wine come from old vines that are over 100 years old. This gives the wine a concentrated flavor.
The tannins are soft, and the acidity is well-balanced. The finish is long and lingering.
5. Tablas Creek Mourvèdre 2014
This wine is made from 100% Mourvèdre grapes. It’s full-bodied and tannic, with flavors of baked plum, raspberry, bramble, and new leather.
These complex flavors and a nose of cloves give this wine a mouth feel of spicy nutmeg and a rich texture that most will enjoy.
This younger vintage is drinking well now, but an experienced oenophile will notice biting tannins that promise graceful aging for years to come.
It pairs well with holiday game dishes like goose or duck, but it is also a delightful beverage to enjoy at family spaghetti night.
6. Follin Cellars Estate Grenache 2014
The wild herb aromas of this wine lend to pairings like poultry while the entry-level pricing makes it accessible for all wine drinkers. It’s made from 100% Grenache grapes from Oregon, which is very unique, and the quality is excellent.
It’s a bold and exciting wine with a peppery bite and strong tannins. The spicy and assertive qualities make this wine a favorite among those who love strong reds, but its approachability opens up the world of Oregon wines to those who aren’t familiar.
This is a must-try for all serious wine drinkers.
7. Cayuse Bionic Frog Syrah 2013
Many people haven’t even heard of the Walla Walla region of Washington, but it pumps out some of the best wines in the country and the world. Just one sip of this Syrah will prove it.
Enjoy this wine with s’mores by a roaring fire. Let it breathe for 30 minutes in a decanter before serving and you’ll enjoy even more immense flavors of violet and black olives with close-knit tannins.
8. Craiglee Shiraz 2011
Shiraz is one of the most unique grapes in existence because it combines the big, bold elements of a strong red while still retaining the same lighter characteristics of a medium or light-bodied red.
In this Shiraz, you’ll find flavors of blackberry, fragrant leather, and cracked black pepper throughout with a long, smooth finish.
It has a heavy perfume that permeates the air as soon as you open the bottle. The silky texture gives it a smooth mouthfeel that’s not typical of other Shiraz, which makes this one from Craiglee well worth the price.
This wine is made from grapes that are grown in the sun-drenched vineyards of Australia. The climate there is perfect for growing Shiraz grapes, which is why this wine tastes so good.
Craiglee is a family-owned winery that has been making wine for over 100 years.
9. Soter Vineyards Mineral Springs Ranch Pinot Noir 2014
This wine is made from Pinot Noir grapes that are grown in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. It has flavors of black cherry, forest floor, and a hint of spice. The tannins are well-balanced and the acidity is bright.
The Soter Vineyards Mineral Springs Ranch Pinot Noir is a great choice for those who want to try an Oregon Pinot Noir.
It’s made by a family-owned winery that has been making wine for over 30 years. This wine is a great value and it’s perfect for those who are new to Oregon wines.
10. Mount Pleasant Port
Ports and Sherries are some of the strongest wines you can get, and Mount Pleasant makes the absolute best Port I’ve ever had. This strong dessert wine is great on its own but also pairs well with red meat or chocolate.
It has rich flavors of blackberry, dark chocolate, and espresso. The tannins are firm but not astringent. The finish is long and smooth.
11. Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that are grown in Australia. It has flavors of blackberry, cassis, and eucalyptus. The tannins are firm and the acidity is well-balanced. The finish is long and smooth.
This is a great wine for those who want to try an Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s made by one of the most famous wineries in Australia and available at a great value. This wine is perfect for those who are new to Australian wines.
