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2013 Scott Harvey Three Stags

There are many reasons why red blends are among Americans' favorite wines. With wines such as the 2013 Scott Harvey Three Stags ($15), it's the layers of flavors and textures that this category can provide. This robust red, sourced primarily from California's Amador County (with a little fruit from Napa), contains almost a dozen grapes, although it is dominated by zinfandel (77 percent). That explains the briary, red and black fruit notes and its overall generosity of flavor. Deftly made with spot-on tannins, a chunky mouthfeel and surprisingly complex finish, this hearty red was made for barbecue. Or pizza. Or grilled sausages — Polish, Italian or whatever.

Available at Minnehaha, Haskell's (Plymouth) and the Little Wine Shoppe.

BILL WARD