VDR stands for Very Dark Red, and the name is no lie. This Monterey County-born blend, dominated by Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot, is an opaque enigma in the glass, described unapologetically as “one-of-a-kind, over-the-top, and full-bodied.”

There’s no exaggeration on any of those fronts. This intense monster hits the palate with a rush of sweetness that immediately evokes zinfandel, lush with overripe, black fruit, and lots of cassis. The palate presses onward, exuding syrupy chocolate notes, highly extracted with an edge of licorice, baking spice (heavy on cloves), and vanilla. It’s Very Dark indeed — if perhaps a bit too dark for my tastes.

B- / $25 / scheidfamilywines.com

2018 Scheid Family Wines VDR

$25

7

Rating

7.0/10

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Christopher Null

Christopher Null is the founder and editor in chief of Drinkhacker. A veteran writer and journalist, he also operates Null Media, a bespoke content creation company.

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