Our California expert, Kristina, is always banging the table for this rare California red: “Big Hitter has to be my favorite unusual red in our cellars. California continues to surprise and delight me with varieties I would never imagine anyone having the guts to plant. And this award-winning Souzão is fabulous!”

The Souzão grape variety might be humble, but it’s capable of big and beautiful things. Originally from Portugal, Souzão has a richly pigmented skin (key to the wine’s trademark deep color) and naturally fresh acidity, which makes it a great choice for adding oomph to blends and for use in Port. In Big Hitter, however, Souzão has been allowed to shine on its own.

The grapes were sourced from Sloughhouse, a little-known AVA in the warmest part of California’s Lodi region. The sunny climate allows the Souzão grapes plenty of time to develop those rich, concentrated flavors. And thanks to the excellent 2018 vintage, the winemaking team had their pick of quality fruit.

Full bodied and luscious, Big Hitter packs a punch of powerful, dark-fruit flavors, supported by intriguing licorice, thyme, and violet notes. It’ll be delicious on its own or when served alongside roasted meats, barbecue dishes, or hearty pastas.

If you’re a fan of BIG, fruit-rich reds, then you simply must try this exclusive Souzão. Order now to be among the first to taste it.