Wine Review: Well REaD Organic California Red - No Added Sulfites

First Impressions (Chilled):

I made a move 👀 - I chilled this red before tasting it, which is what I’d been doing with all my wines so far. Because you know…free will. ✨

Immediate realization: This wine does NOT want to be chilled. Room temp only.

Tasting

Notes (Chilled - Not Recommended)

On the nose: Blackberries and plum

First sip: Dry. Immediately dry. With a toasty, oak taste on the back end that finishes very dry.

What the bottle says: Juicy raspberry and red cherries

What I actually tasted: Not that. At least not chilled.

The Pairing:

I had this with air-fried chicken wings topped with honey garlic. The sweetness of the honey helped balance the dryness of the wine.

The Verdict (So Far):

This is NOT for sweet red drinkers. If you love a dry wine with oak notes, this could be your jam - but let it breathe at room temperature.

I’m trying this again without chilling it to see what else comes through. Stay tuned.

Update: Room Temperature Tasting:

I let the wine come to room temperature and tried it again. COMPLETELY different experience.

On the nose: Blackberries (much more pronounced than when chilled)

First sip: Semi-sweet - the fruit actually came through this time

In the mouth: Spicy. Like a little tingle or heat on the palate.

The finish: Dry, but full-bodied dry. Somehow refreshing instead of harsh.

The Verdict

Rating: 7/10 at room temp (vs. would not recommend chilled)

This wine NEEDS to be at room temperature. Chilling it completely changed the flavor profile - and not in a good way.

If you love dry reds with spice notes and full body, this is worth trying. Just don’t make my mistake and chill it first. For $6.99 at Trader Joe’s I would recommend for more experienced red lovers who love a dry red or willing to try something new!

Next experiment: I’m curious how this would open up with an aerator. Stay tuned.