Seven Moons Dark Side Red Blend

Seven Moons Dark Side Red Blend is a bold California red wine (750ml, 13.5% ABV) built from seven distinct grape varietals sourced from the Central Coast and Lodi regions. The 2017 vintage earned a Gold medal at the California State Fair and a Silver at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, underscoring the blend's quality at an accessible price point.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Central Coast & Lodi, California  |  Style: Multi-Varietal Red Blend  |  Producer: Constellation Brands

Production & Heritage

Seven Moons is produced by Constellation Brands, one of the largest wine and spirits companies in the world. The Dark Side expression combines Syrah, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Grenache—seven varietals inspired by the phases of the moon. This seven-grape approach sets it apart from the typical two- or three-varietal California red blends, drawing depth and complexity from a wider spectrum of fruit character, tannin structure, and aromatic range. Grapes are sourced from vineyards across California's Central Coast and Lodi AVAs, regions known for warm days, cool evenings, and concentrated fruit development.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe blackberry and black currant, followed by layers of toasty oak, cedar, and a hint of tobacco. Swirling reveals darker notes of fig and black plum that intensify in the glass.

Taste: The entry is rich and immediately fruit-forward, with dark berry and fig at the forefront. Mid-palate, caramel and brown sugar emerge alongside warm baking spice—cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla—adding welcome complexity. The mouthfeel is full-bodied, nearly opaque in concentration, with a silky texture that carries the fruit through to its peak.

Finish: The finish is smooth and moderately long, trailing off with lingering notes of raspberry, tart cherry, and a faint cedar spice. A gentle tannic grip provides structure without astringency.

How to Drink Dark Side Red Blend

This wine drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F), served in a large-bowled glass to let the layered aromatics open up. Decanting for 20–30 minutes can soften tannins and allow the spice notes to integrate further.

• Red Wine Sangria: The seven-varietal complexity and dark fruit character create a deeply flavored base that stands up to citrus and brandy.
• Kalimotxo: The bold berry profile and smooth finish pair surprisingly well with cola in this classic Basque cocktail.
• Mulled Wine: The existing cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla notes amplify beautifully when warmed with traditional mulling spices.

Best For

• Introducing adventurous drinkers to complex red blends without a steep price tag
• Hosting a casual dinner party centered around grilled or braised meats
• Building a diverse California wine tasting lineup
• Gifting a red wine enthusiast who enjoys bold, fruit-driven styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Seven Moons Dark Side taste like? It delivers a rich, full-bodied profile dominated by dark berry, fig, and black plum, with supporting layers of caramel, brown sugar, and warm baking spice like cinnamon and vanilla.

How does Dark Side Red Blend compare to Apothic Dark? Both are California red blends targeting dark-fruit lovers, but Seven Moons distinguishes itself with a seven-varietal blend versus Apothic Dark's typical four-grape composition, resulting in a broader aromatic spectrum. Apothic Dark tends to lean sweeter, while the Dark Side carries slightly more tannic structure and cedar-spice complexity.

Is Dark Side Red Blend good for beginners? Yes—its smooth, fruit-forward character and moderate 13.5% ABV make it approachable for newer red wine drinkers, while the seven-varietal complexity keeps experienced palates engaged.

Where is Seven Moons Dark Side made? It is produced by Constellation Brands using grapes sourced from California's Central Coast and Lodi AVAs, two of the state's most prolific warm-climate growing regions.

What foods pair well with Dark Side Red Blend? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's Syrah-driven spice; slow-smoked brisket mirrors its caramel and brown sugar undertones; aged cheddar balances the dark fruit richness; mushroom risotto echoes the earthy cedar notes; and dark chocolate desserts harmonize with the fig and berry finish.

What sizes does Dark Side Red Blend come in? Seven Moons Dark Side Red Blend is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Dark Side Red Blend worth the price? It positions squarely in the value tier of California red blends, delivering seven-varietal complexity and Gold-medal-winning quality at a price point well below most premium blends—making it a strong return on investment for everyday drinking.

Why Dark Side Red Blend?

The seven-varietal construction is the defining feature here. Where most red blends rely on two or three grapes, Seven Moons Dark Side weaves Syrah, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Grenache into a single, cohesive wine—each varietal contributing a distinct layer of fruit, tannin, or spice. The Gold medal at the California State Fair validates that this blend punches above its price class. For drinkers who want a bold, dark-fruited California red with genuine complexity and a smooth finish, this expression delivers without demanding a premium-bottle budget.