Little Black Dress Divalicious Red Blend

Little Black Dress Divalicious Red Blend is a multi-varietal California red blend bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Built around a core of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan with supporting lots of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Tannat, Malbec, and Counoise, this wine draws on an unusually broad palette of grape varieties to achieve a fruit-forward, approachable style.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Mendocino County, California  |  Style: Multi-Varietal Red Blend  |  Producer: LBD Vineyards, Hopland

Production & Heritage

LBD Vineyards operates out of Hopland in Mendocino County, one of Northern California's cooler inland growing areas. Winemaker Margaret Leonardi oversees the blending program, combining as many as nine grape varieties in a single vintage — an approach that gives Divalicious its layered berry character and soft tannin structure. The wine is aged in a combination of oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, allowing the oak to contribute subtle toasty warmth without masking the fruit, while stainless steel preserves brightness and freshness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe mixed berries and dark black cherry, followed by delicate floral notes and a refined toasty accent from partial oak aging. There is a subtle earthy undertone that adds complexity beyond the initial fruit impression.

Taste: The entry is smooth and round, with juicy red berries and black cherry dominating the mid-palate. As the wine develops, a gentle spice note emerges — likely contributed by the Petite Sirah and Mourvèdre components — alongside soft, integrated tannins and a hint of warm earth.

Finish: Medium in length with a juicy, fruit-driven close that stays clean and approachable. The finish carries a lingering echo of ripe berry and a faint toast character without bitterness or astringency.

How to Drink Divalicious Red Blend

Serve at a light cellar temperature — around 60–65°F — to keep the fruit lively and the tannins soft. A slight chill makes it an easy sipper on its own, though it also handles ice comfortably in warm weather. In a Red Wine Sangria, its berry-forward profile blends seamlessly with fresh stone fruit and citrus. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice) works surprisingly well here because the wine's natural sweetness and low tannin keep the drink balanced. For a simple Red Wine Spritzer, top a half-glass with sparkling water and a squeeze of orange — the wine's juicy character holds up to dilution better than more tannic reds.

Best For

• Casual weeknight dinners when you want flavor without fuss
• Backyard cookouts and barbecues with burgers or grilled sausages
• Introducing red wine newcomers to bold, fruit-driven blends
• Wine-based cocktail nights with friends

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Divalicious Red Blend taste like? It leads with juicy ripe berries and black cherry, supported by a gentle spice note and soft tannins. The overall impression is smooth, round, and fruit-forward with a clean finish.

How does Divalicious Red Blend compare to Apothic Red? Both are California red blends in the value tier, but Divalicious uses a wider array of grape varieties — up to nine — while Apothic Red centers on Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Divalicious tends toward brighter berry fruit, while Apothic Red leans into darker, more vanilla-driven flavors from heavier oak treatment.

Is Divalicious Red Blend good for beginners? Its low tannin, generous fruit, and smooth texture make it one of the more approachable California red blends at its price point. Beginners who enjoy berries and soft reds will find it easy to like.

Where is Divalicious Red Blend made? It is vinted and bottled by LBD Vineyards in Hopland, located in Mendocino County in Northern California. Mendocino County is known for diverse microclimates that support a wide range of grape varieties.

What foods pair well with Divalicious Red Blend? Grilled burgers and sausages complement the wine's smoky berry notes. Margherita pizza mirrors its fruit and gentle acidity. Mild cheddar or Gouda echoes the soft, rounded palate. Barbecue pulled pork matches the wine's juicy sweetness, and dark chocolate brownies pick up on the ripe cherry finish.

What sizes does Divalicious Red Blend come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Divalicious Red Blend worth the price? Positioned squarely in the entry-level value tier, Divalicious delivers a surprisingly complex blend of up to nine grape varieties at a price that undercuts many single-varietal wines. For everyday drinking and casual entertaining, it represents solid value.

Why Divalicious Red Blend?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of California value reds is the sheer breadth of its blend. Where most competitors rely on three or four varieties, winemaker Margaret Leonardi works with up to nine — including less common grapes like Tannat, Counoise, and Carignan — to build a layered, fruit-driven profile that stays interesting glass after glass. The dual aging approach in both oak barrels and stainless steel strikes a practical balance between richness and freshness. For anyone looking for a versatile, food-friendly red that punches above its weight class, Divalicious makes a compelling case.