The Criminal Red Blend

The Criminal Red Blend is a bold California red wine from Truett-Hurst in Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, in a standard 750ml bottle. Produced from biodynamically farmed estate vineyards, this Syrah-Zinfandel-Petite Sirah blend has earned aggregated critic scores in the 88–89 point range, reflecting consistent quality across vintages.

Quick Facts: Origin: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California  |  Blend: Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah  |  Producer: Truett-Hurst  |  Farming: Biodynamic

Production & Heritage

Truett-Hurst operates out of Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County, one of California's most respected appellations for Zinfandel and Rhône-variety reds. The estate follows biodynamic farming practices, a rigorous approach that goes well beyond standard organic certification. The Criminal's blend—approximately 40% Syrah, 40% Zinfandel, and 20% Petite Sirah—draws from estate blocks planted with Old Vine Zinfandel cuttings sourced from the storied St. Peter's Church and Du Pratt vineyards. A Primitivo clone was specifically selected for bright, vibrant fruit character, while two distinct Petite Sirah selections contribute deep color and structural tannin to the final wine.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe blackberry and boysenberry, followed by a layer of violets and cocoa dust. As the wine breathes, subtle vanilla and baking spice emerge from behind the dark fruit.

Taste: On entry, juicy cherry and blackberry fruit coat the palate with generous richness. The mid-palate broadens into boysenberry and strawberry notes laced with warm spice and a dusting of cocoa. Zinfandel's characteristic brambly fruit and Petite Sirah's dense structure create a full-bodied mouthfeel with well-integrated tannins.

Finish: The finish is smooth and moderately long, with lingering dark berry, a trace of vanilla, and a gentle spice fade. Tannins remain present but polished, leaving a clean, satisfying close.

How to Drink The Criminal

This red blend drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) and benefits from 20–30 minutes of air after opening to let the fruit and spice layers unfold. A generous pour into a large-bowled glass helps the aromatics express fully.

• Classic Sangria: The Criminal's dark berry intensity and spice complexity make it a powerhouse base for a red sangria with stone fruit and citrus.
• Kalimotxo: The bold fruit and smooth finish hold up well in this Basque-inspired red wine and cola cocktail, where lighter wines tend to disappear.
• Mulled Wine: Boysenberry and cocoa notes marry naturally with cinnamon, clove, and orange peel in a warm winter preparation.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners that call for a serious but unpretentious red
• Introducing someone to premium California red blends beyond mass-market labels
• Backyard grilling sessions with burgers, ribs, or smoked sausage
• Gifting a wine drinker who gravitates toward bold, fruit-forward reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Criminal taste like? The Criminal delivers juicy cherry, blackberry, and boysenberry fruit layered with cocoa dust, vanilla, warm spice, and violets. It finishes smooth with polished tannins and a lingering berry sweetness.

How does The Criminal compare to Apothic Red? Both are popular California red blends, but The Criminal is sourced from a single biodynamic estate in Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, while Apothic Red is a larger-production California appellation blend. The Criminal generally shows more structural tannin from its Petite Sirah component and a more site-specific character.

Is The Criminal good for sipping on its own? Yes—its full body, smooth finish, and layered dark fruit make it well-suited for drinking on its own, especially after a brief rest in the glass to let the aromatics develop.

Where is The Criminal made? The Criminal is produced by Truett-Hurst at their estate in Dry Creek Valley, a sub-appellation of Sonoma County on California's North Coast. The region is renowned for Zinfandel and Rhône-variety red wines.

What foods pair well with The Criminal? Grilled tri-tip steak complements the wine's bold fruit and tannin structure. Slow-braised short ribs echo its dark berry richness. Wood-fired pizza with sausage and roasted peppers matches the spice notes. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts the fruit sweetness. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the cocoa-dust element in the finish.

What sizes does The Criminal come in? The Criminal is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is The Criminal worth the price? The Criminal positions as an accessible premium red blend, sitting above mass-market California blends thanks to its biodynamic estate-grown fruit and Dry Creek Valley provenance. For drinkers seeking more character and a sense of place than entry-level supermarket blends provide, it represents solid value in the mid-range tier.

Why The Criminal?

What separates The Criminal from the crowded field of California red blends is its source material. Biodynamically farmed estate fruit from Dry Creek Valley—including Zinfandel vines propagated from historic Old Vine blocks at St. Peter's Church and Du Pratt—gives the wine a depth and specificity that mass-produced blends rarely achieve. The deliberate selection of a Primitivo clone for fruit vibrancy and two Petite Sirah selections for color and backbone reflects winemaking with clear intention rather than formula. Aggregated critic scores in the 88–89 point range confirm that the attention to viticulture translates into the glass.