By Leslie Sbrocco—
Romance and renewal are on the menu now and through February. It’s a time to recharge and get moving on shaping a successful 2026. But that doesn’t mean you can’t slow down and enjoy an evening sip after a long day, or crack open a bottle with a loved one and celebrate the moment. These unique California reds offer an opportunity to relax and toast to finding joy in the new year.
2022 Centennial Mountain Nerello Mascalese, Sonoma County, California $59
Looking for a wine that is surprising and rare? Seek out the small-lot, Italian-style wines from the acclaimed team behind Rhys Vineyards. Though they have been crafting stylish nebbiolo from their Centennial Mountain vineyard since 2013, they later planted the first vines from Sicilian varieties in California. These include crisp carricante (a white grape) and alluring Nerello Mascalese, the red shining star of Sicily’s volcanic Mount Etna area. The team wanted to showcase how expressive these grape varieties could be from their high-altitude vineyard in northern Sonoma.
If you’re a pinot noir lover, you will find an exquisite alternative in the Centennial Mountain Nerello Mascalese. The hue is sheer purple, indicating a wine of refinement and vibrancy. The nose is intense with red berry and wild herbal aromas, while the mouthfeel is silky with a hint of taut tannins on the finish. Expand your wine horizons with this beautiful wine.
2022 Anaba Grenache, Flora Marie Vineyard, Russian River Valley, California $54
Grenache is one of my favorite red grapes. Traditionally hailing from the southern Rhone Valley of France, it’s planted in select spots globally. California is making some delectable versions like the one from Sonoma’s Anaba Wines. A single vineyard bottling only in its second year of production, the powerfully spicy red is also packed with juicy, racy fruit aromas and flavors wrapped in a sultry texture.
If you’re in the Sonoma area, make sure to stop by Anaba, too. The family-owned property, named for the nearby cooling ocean breezes, has a casual vibe that marries a sense of fun and playfulness with seriously delicious wines. Founded by John Sweazey—a businessman turned vintner—the winery was a long-time dream of his from days traveling the wine world. He wanted to capture and share the sense of family and camaraderie that comes from a true passion for wine culture.
2023 Alma Rosa Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California $50
https://www.almarosawinery.com
Most red wine lovers are aware of and indulge in classic wines made from pinot noir. This stylish bottling is born on hillside vineyards in the cool, coastal climate of Sta. Rita Hills in southern California’s area of Santa Barbara.
Their homage to the distinctive powers of nature that include wind, fog, and sunshine that define the Sta. Rita Hills growing area is the 2023 bottling. Deep ruby in color with an aromatic bouquet of floral notes, bright red fruits, and a kiss of peppery, earthy complexity, their signature pinot noir is deliciously silky on the palate with a touch of tannins, making it ideal to pair with a variety of foods.
Wine icon Richard Sanford (of Sanford & Benedict fame) planted the first pinot noir vineyards in the area in 1971. He’s the founder of Alma Rosa, but the wine is now crafted by Samra Morris. She’s a rising star winemaker from Bosnia. The whole team is focused on sustainable practices and honoring this beautiful place as expressed in the bottle.
Author, speaker, wine consultant, and television host Leslie Sbrocco is known for her entertaining approach to wine and food. She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her work on PBS, which includes hosting the series “Check, Please! Bay Area,” which is now in its 21st season; “Check, Please! You Gotta Try This!” and the nationally aired series “100 Days, Drinks, Dishes & Destinations.” https://www.lesliesbrocco.com
Sbrocco Sips
Published on January 29, 2026
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