Wines to Pair with Smoked Meats 750 ml

It’s estimated that the US loses $4 billion in productivity due to the post-Super Bowl, um, we’ll say absenteeism. There’s a movement afoot to make the Monday after the big game a holiday, but until that day comes, we say don’t let that productivity perish in vain.

The best way to do that is by savoring every sip we take on Super Bowl Sunday—which means having perfect pairings at the ready. 

Smoked: It’s bad if we’re talking about your team’s free safety getting beat deep on a post route, but good if it means your host has had a ten-pound brisket cooking at about 250 degrees in his Big Green Egg since the night before. We say, where there’s smoke, add more: That’s why we love cigar-box-tinged Rioja and spicy Syrah to hang with meats that have seen open flame. And of course, when meat’s coming off the grill, vibrant Zinfandel is always a bottle you want on your team. 

93pts: The Rioja with a 140-Year History

2015 Cune Rioja Reserva Spain

Cune is the only Spanish winery to ever receive Wine Spectator’s coveted Wine of the Year award and, with a symphony of critical praise, today’s 2015 Reserva delivers exemplary pedigree and value at our best price ever.

Tasting Note: Dark ruby center with bright ruby-pink tones at the rim. The nose smells fresh and alive with dark raspberry, black cherry, and rose petal aromatics. Cedar plank, thyme, rosemary, and licorice enter the backdrop, while vanilla and tan tobacco interplay with the fruit. The palate is mouthwatering and bright, with slightly grippy tannins that lengthen and become supple after 30 minutes of air. There is breadth and volume, alongside a general sense of harmony within its flavor and texture components, as the long finish keeps offering its savory spices and licorice for minutes. Drink now - 2033.

Trendsetting Syrah from the Cool Sonoma Coast

2018 County Line Syrah Sonoma Coast

This wine highlights how exciting New World Syrah can be. One of America's most celebrated winemakers making "wines for the present" with grapes from one of California's greatest terroirs.

Tasting Note: An undeniable purple tinge to this attractive wine. The nose draws you in with layers of fresh cracked black pepper dancing around crushed granite aromas and dark plum notes. The mouthfeel is exhilarating with plenty of vibrancy, spice and flavor. Layers of wild red berries, laser acidity, and joyful tannins. Drink now - 2028.

A 93-Point Bordeaux Beauty

2016 Château de Francs Les Cerisiers Francs Côtes de Bordeaux

This bold, plush Les Cerisiers leaves no doubt that Bordeaux is one of the greatest playgrounds in the world for bargain hunters, especially when bottles from the 93 2016 vintage are up for grabs.

Tasting Note: Medium to deep garnet in color, with ripe red currant, wild plum, and red cherry fruit aromas underpinned by a whisper of violets and cedar. Medium-bodied, it is defined by chewy tannins and balanced by fresh blackberry and cherry flavors on entry. The fruit follows through to the finish, picking up notes of fresh herbs, mint, and a touch of mocha. An excellent value Right Bank Bordeaux. Drink now - 2029.

From California’s Most Sacred Soils

2018 Bedrock Wine Company Old Vine Zinfandel California

Bedrock Wine Company is one of the hottest brands in California, and their 2018 Old Vine Zinfandel, from 100-point winemaker and California old-vine guru Morgan Twain-Peterson is a stunner.

Tasting Note: Old-school meets new in this Zinfandel, with just enough polish and plumpness to match the briary rusticity. Offers expressive black cherry, smoky anise and white pepper flavors. Drink now through 2024.