2016 Five Friends Red Blend

Five Friends wine comes from Central Ranges, Australia, a lesser-known wine region that’s home to the biggest cool climate region in the entire country. As their name might indicate, the line of wines is made from five different varietals that when mixed, go together as well as you with your closest friends. This particular red is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Although originally from the Rhone, Shiraz has found a new home in Australia. More than half of the world’s plantings of the grape are found there, and the varietal has become synonymous with the land Down Under.

This is the kind of wine you curl up with on a late night when all you really need is a little quiet and a lot of comforting. The nose presents whiffs of stewed black cherries, overripe raspberries and Smuckers plum jam. There is much more of a smoked meat flavor on the palate that isn’t extremely prevalent on the nose. Rich in flavor and body but just smooth enough to drink without snacks, it’s the perfect wine to share with a friend over a movie.